Gemstone profile and identification guide
Thulite
Thulite is a pink variety of zoisite used mainly in carvings and cabochons.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Thulite is a pink variety of zoisite used mainly in carvings and cabochons.
Did you know? Thulite is named after the ancient term Thule, associated with Scandinavia.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Thulite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Zoisite Variety: Thulite)
Hardness: 6 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: vitreous to pearly
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Primary colour: Pink
Secondary colour: Rose Pink
Colour family: Pinks
Pink color in zoisite context is the key defining characteristic.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium aluminum silicate with manganese coloring
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Common locations: Norway, Austria, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Pink manganese-bearing zoisite variety, generally opaque to translucent.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Zoisite (thulite variety)
Mineral group: Epidote/zoisite family
Chemical formula: Calcium aluminum silicate with manganese coloring
Mohs hardness: 6
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Lustre: vitreous to pearly
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.1-3.4
Refractive index: 1.69-1.70
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Pink to rose-red
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Norway, Austria, United States
Important commercial sources: Thulite is a pink zoisite variety associated with metamorphic rock settings
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in carvings, beads, and ornamental cabochons.
Care recommendations: Moderate hardness; avoid impact and abrasive wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Thulite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic environments with manganese-bearing fluids.
Origin
Thulite is a pink zoisite variety associated with metamorphic rock settings
Uses
Best for: Used in carvings, beads, and ornamental cabochons.
Ideal uses: Decorative pink carved and cabbed jewelry.
Care
Moderate hardness; avoid impact and abrasive wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Thulite FAQ
How can I identify Thulite?
Compare hardness (6 Mohs), crystal system (Orthorhombic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous to pearly) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Thulite appear in?
Pink manganese-bearing zoisite variety, generally opaque to translucent.
Where is Thulite commonly used?
Decorative pink carved and cabbed jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.