Thulite
pink · Zoisite family
| Also known as | Zoisite (Zoisite family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Pink |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 |
| Lustre | Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces |
| Streak | White or colorless |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Perfect {010} imperfect {100} |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | (Ca,Mn) 2 Al 3 (SiO 4 )(Si 2 O 7 )O(OH) |
| Specific gravity | 3.10–3.38 |
What is Thulite?
Thulite (sometimes called rosaline) is a translucent, crystalline or massive pink manganese-bearing variety of the mineral zoisite. Manganese substitutes for calcium in the structure with up to two percent Mn2+. Thulite is often mottled with white calcite and occurs as veins and fracture fillings transecting many types of rock. In mineralogical literature, thulite may sometimes refer to any pink zoisite. Clinothulite is the manganese bearing variety of monoclinic clinozoisite.
How to identify Thulite
- Lustre: Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces.
- Hardness: Mohs 6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White or colorless.
- Habit: Orthorhombic crystal system.
Thulite in different forms
Stones often confused with Thulite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Thulite?
Thulite is Mohs 6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Thulite?
Thulite is typically pink (Pink).