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  • Thulite

Thulite

Zoisite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Thulite Polished Thulite Rough Thulite Jewelry
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Thulite Colors
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • Care

Thulite is the translucent to opaque pink variety of zoisite, which is often mottled or streaked with gray or white quartz. The name thulite is derived from its discovery location, Norway, which was once called Thule. This gem is also called rosaline. Thulite is often cut en cabochon for jewelry manufacture or carved into ornaments.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Thulite
Species
Zoisite
Transparency
Translucent - Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.021
Refractive Index
1.691-1.700
Tolerance:(+0.005/-0.005)
Birefringence
0.008-0.013
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
6-7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
3.100-3.450 Typical:3.350
Toughness
Varies
Inclusions
Thulite has white veining is due to calcite and the pink color is due to manganese.
Luster
Vitreous, Pearly
Stability
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect, in one direction, Good, in one direction
Chemical Name
calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide
Chemical Formula
Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Thulite Colors

  • Multi-color Thulite
    Multi-color
  • Red Thulite
    Red
  • Pink Thulite
    Pink

Alternate Names

Rosaline, Unionite

Countries of Origin

Unknown; Norway; United States of America

Care

Normal care

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