Tellurium

Symbol

Te

Atomic number

52

Atomic mass	127.6		Thermal conductivity	0.0235
Atomic radius	1.42		Covalent radius	1.36
Density	6.24		Atomic volume	20.5
Melting point	722.65		Oxidation states	-2,4,6
Boiling point	990		Stable isotopes	8
Heat of vapor.	52.55		Electronegativity	2.1
Heat of fusion	17.49		First ionization	9.009
Specific heat	0.20		Electrical conduct.	...

Electron configuration

Tellurium

Tellurium is a semiconductor with electrical conductivity about two orders of magnitude lower than the metals. Its chemistry is similar to that of sulfur, except that it is more metallic in character.

Tellurium is found in the mineral nagyagite, a sulfide, along with lead, iron, antimony, and gold. Tellurium combines with gold to form krennerite and calaverite, both with the empirical formula AuTe₂. These two minerals are said to be dimorphs of each other. Silver bonds to tellurium in the mineral hessite, Ag₂Te. Gold and silver combine with tellurium to form the mineral sylvanite, AgAuTe₄.

This sample of tellurium is displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The sample is about 6x4 cm and is from the De La Mar mine, Delamar, Nevada.

Tellurium Nuclear Data