Overview
Tellurium is a brittle, silvery metalloid with semiconductor properties and uses in thermoelectric materials.
Properties
It forms chalcogenide compounds, has multiple oxidation states and combines with metals to form useful alloys.
Occurrence and Uses
Tellurium is recovered as a byproduct of copper refining and used in thermoelectric devices, solar cells and metallurgy.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Te 120 to Te 130; tellurium compounds can be toxic and handled with standard precautions.