Earth Treasures: Thulite
By Chisom Ibemere
Thulite is a pink variety of the mineral zoisite frequently manganian, i.e. containing trivalent Mn. It is named after the mythical island of Thule. It originated in the early 19th century in Norway’s Telemark region.
Thulite occurs in metamorphic rocks which is associated with large serpentinite bodies. It majorly occurs in regions with serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Significant deposits may be seen in countries like
Austria, Australia, India, Pakistan, and the United States.
Thulite has a pink to salmon-colored as a result of the presence of manganese. It has a hardness of around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. It has a vitreous luster and may display a translucent to opaque appearance. It has a specific gravity of 3.10 to 3.38.
Thulite gemstone is majorly used in jewelry industry. Its attractive pink color as well as it’s relatively high durability, makes it popular for pendants, necklaces, rings, and other pieces of jewelry. Thulite’s unique hue is often seen as a symbol of love, femininity,
and tenderness. It is sometimes employed in ornamental carvings as well.
Thulite value depends on factors such as color intensity, clarity, size, and market demand. High-quality thulite with vibrant pink hues and minimal inclusions are highly prized. It is considered a relatively affordable gemstone when compared to more well-known and precious gems. Its value is influenced by factors such as rarity,
craftsmanship and market price.