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Discovered in 1782, tellurium is a
semimetal, sharing properties with
metals and
nonmetals. In its purest state, tellurium has a
metallic luster and is silvery-white in appearance. Tellurium occurs in nature in its elemental
state, but more reliable sources include the minerals sylvanite, calaverite,
and krennerite. Tellurium is recovered as a by-product of
copper ore refining. In many respects it is very similar to its
sister elements
selenium and
sulfur.
Tellurium is used as an alloying agent. Alloyed with copper and stainless steel, tellurium
increases the machinability of those metals. Some are used in the rubber industry and it is also
used in the manufacture of blasting caps.
