REE · Tm · Z=69

Thulium (Tm)

7,500 tonnes of estimated thulium reserves — 0.5% of the 1.5 million tonnes of total rare earth elements at the Guayana REE Complex. One of the rarest naturally occurring elements on Earth, with unique radiation and laser properties.

At metal prices (~$7,000/kg), the theoretical in-ground value is $52.5 billion — reflecting thulium's extreme rarity with global annual production of only ~50 tonnes. Key applications include portable X-ray sources, surgical lasers (Tm:YAG), and high-temperature superconductors.

90d▲ 0.4%

$7,000/kg

Symbol

7,500 t

Estimated Reserve

~$7,000/kg

Metal Price

$52.5B

Reserve Value

Reserve Calculation

Thulium constitutes approximately 0.5% of total rare earth element content in typical REE-bearing deposits. Applied to the Guayana REE Complex's 1.5 million tonnes of total REE, this yields an estimated 7,500 tonnes of thulium. At current metal prices (~$7,000/kg), the theoretical in-ground value is $52.5 billion USD. This staggering figure reflects thulium's extreme rarity — global annual production is only ~50 tonnes — and must be understood as a theoretical ceiling, as large-scale extraction would significantly impact market pricing.

The Rarest Lanthanide

Thulium is the second-rarest naturally occurring lanthanide (after promethium, which is radioactive). The 7,500 tonnes at the Guayana REE Complex represent 150 years of current global demand. Its applications in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and solid-state laser technology command extreme premiums — making even small quantities enormously valuable.

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Portable X-Ray Sources

Thulium-170 isotope produces soft X-rays when irradiated. Used in portable dental X-ray machines and field medical equipment where conventional X-ray tubes are impractical.

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Cancer Treatment

Thulium-170 brachytherapy sources are used for localized radiation treatment of tumors. Compact, precise, and effective for cervical, prostate, and skin cancers.

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Solid-State Lasers

Thulium-doped fiber lasers operate at 2μm wavelength — the 'eye-safe' band ideal for tissue surgery, atmospheric LIDAR, and defense countermeasures.

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Nuclear & Scientific

Thulium is used in portable radiation monitoring equipment, high-energy physics, and as a neutron source in nuclear research applications.

Commercial Specifications

Thulium Oxide (Tm₂O₃) — Purity 99.9%+ | Laser and medical grade
Thulium Metal — 99.9% | For radiation source production and research
Thulium-doped YAG crystals — For 2μm solid-state laser systems
Thulium-170 irradiation targets — For medical isotope production
Estimated 0.5% of the Guayana REE Complex TREO (7,500 t from 1.5M t total REE)
Independent third-party certification included with every lot

Register Thulium Interest

7,500 tonnes — 150 years of global demand. Register your interest in availability and pricing.