Thulium is obtained in small amounts from minerals such as monazite and xenotime, then refined for further separation.
Thulium is separated from other rare earths using solvent extraction or ion exchange, and converted into thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) or thulium fluoride (TmF₃).
Thulium fluoride is reduced to metal with calcium under high temperature:
2TmF₃ + 3Ca → 2Tm + 3CaF₂
This produces high-purity thulium sponge.
The sponge is melted in vacuum or arc furnaces to remove impurities and increase density, then cast into ingots or rods.
Thulium is shaped into rods, foils, sheets, discs, or custom parts, inspected for quality, and vacuum-packed for safe delivery.