Tellurium
Tellurium, the 52nd element, has an atomic mass of 127.80 amu and a density of
6.24 g/cm cubed. Its electron levels are 2-8-18-18-6, it is a member of the oxygen
group, and has valences of -4, 2, and 6. Te was discovered im 1782 by F. M. von Richenstein
of Romania, and it melts at 444.57 degrees C, and boils at 987.85 degrees C.
Te is toxic to humans, and is most often found in gold telluride, also known as
calaverite. Crystalline Te is silvery-white and lustrous. It is brittle and easily
pulverized. There are 21 isotopes of Te, 9 of them are natural, and 8
of these are stable.
June 20, 1997
Back to my chem page.
Back to my page.