Thulium - Tm

Thulium (Tm)

Thulium is a bright, silvery lanthanide metal and the least abundant naturally occurring lanthanide. It is found mainly in minerals such as monazite and is recovered with other rare-earth elements.

Uses and applications

Thulium-activated materials are used in specialised lasers. Irradiated thulium-169 can produce thulium-170, which emits X-rays and has been used in compact radiation sources.

Thulium and water treatment

Thulium is not used as a conventional drinking-water treatment chemical. It may be present in process waters or residues from rare-earth mining and separation; any assessment should consider isotope, chemical form, and the wider stream composition.

Occurrence and environmental context

Thulium is recovered from rare-earth minerals, commonly through processes that separate chemically similar lanthanides. Environmental behaviour depends on its chemical form, solubility, and interactions with minerals and dissolved substances in water and soil.

Health and safety

Health risks depend on the particular thulium compound and exposure route. Avoid inhaling dust, consult the relevant safety data sheet, and use appropriate occupational controls when handling metal or compounds.

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