Tellurium (Te)

Tellurium (Te)

CERAMIC VASE WITH JUMPING DEER SYMBOL OF RHODES

Atomic Number: 52
Atomic Weight: 127.60
Melting Point: 449.5
Boiling Point: 989.8
Specific Gravity: 6.24
Valence(s): 2, 4 or 6

Tellurium was discovered by von Reichenstein in 1782 and named by Klaproth in 1798. Tellurium is found combined with other metals such as gold. Adding Tellurium to lead improves lead's strength. Tellurium is also used in ceramics. The name comes from tellus, which is Latin for Earth. [LM] {RW}