Thulium

Symbol: Tm
Atomic Number: 69
Heavy Rare Earth Metal
Tm

Overview

Thulium is one of the rarest rare earth elements. It's used in portable X-ray devices and specialized laser systems. The element's isotopes are used in small, portable X-ray sources for medical and dental applications. Despite its high cost, thulium's unique properties make it valuable for specific technological applications.

Appearance

Silvery-gray

Electron Configuration

[Xe] 4f¹³6s²

Density

9.32 g/cm³

Melting Point

1545°C

Discovery

Year:
1879
Discoverer:
Per Teodor Cleve
Location:
Sweden

Discovery Timeline

1879
146 years ago

Primary Uses

  • Portable X-ray devices
  • Metal halide lamps
  • Laser technology
  • Radiation devices

Application Sectors

Electronics Medical Energy Defense Manufacturing

Economic Value

Current Price

$3000 per kg

Price Trend

Volatile

Supply Risk

Primary Producers

ChinaIndiaBrazil

Investing in Thulium

  • Thulium oxide (99.9%) trades at US $3000-3200 /kg FOB China (≈ US $3.10 /g) as of May 2025.
  • European spot prices reach US $3800-4200 /kg due to extreme scarcity and specialized certification requirements.
  • Asian Metal's index shows high volatility driven by medical device demand and ultra-limited supply.
  • Small-lot investors face 60-80% premiums above bulk prices due to extreme rarity.
  • Metal prices carry 70-85% premium over oxide due to complex processing and ultra-high purity requirements.

How to Get Exposure

RouteWhy It AppealsWatch-outs
Physical metal/oxideDirect exposure to medical X-ray technology growthExtreme scarcity, very high storage costs
Mining stocksOperational leverage to medical technology demandVirtually no pure-play options
ETFsBroader rare earth exposureNegligible Tm-specific exposure

Market Outlook

  • Portable X-ray device demand driving premium medical applications growth.
  • Metal halide lamp applications providing specialized lighting market exposure.
  • Laser technology applications creating niche but high-value markets.
  • Radiation source applications in medical and industrial sectors showing steady growth.
  • Supply extremely limited - second rarest rare earth element after lutetium.
  • Medical device certification requirements creating additional supply bottlenecks.
  • Recycling virtually impossible due to minute quantities and specialized applications.
  • Research applications in quantum computing and advanced materials showing early promise.

FAQs

Why invest in Thulium?

Thulium is one of the rarest rare earth elements, offering exposure to high-end medical imaging technology and specialized laser applications with extremely limited supply.

How volatile is the Thulium market?

Extremely volatile due to ultra-thin markets, limited supply sources, and specialized demand - price swings of 40-80% are common based on medical device production cycles.

What are the main investment risks?

Extreme scarcity, virtually no market liquidity, potential substitution by alternatives, concentration in highly specialized medical applications, and astronomical entry costs.

What drives Thulium demand?

Portable X-ray devices, specialized laser systems, metal halide lamps, and radiation sources for medical and industrial applications are the primary demand drivers.

Is Thulium suitable for most investors?

No - only for ultra-high-net-worth investors with extreme risk tolerance and deep rare earth market knowledge. Consider it purely speculative due to market illiquidity and extreme rarity.

Disclaimer: Market data is indicative and updates frequently; nothing here constitutes financial advice.

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