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Chemical Formula | Te |
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Composition | Tellurium, sometimes with some iron, selenium, gold, and silver |
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Variable Formula | (Te,Fe,Se,Au,Ag) |
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Color | Tin-white, usually with a light pinkish-yellowish tarnish |
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Streak | Tin-white |
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Hardness | 2 - 2½ |
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Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Hexagonal) Usually massive, but also in thin veins, and more rarely in thin, prismatic, hexagonal crystals. |
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Transparency | Opaque |
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Specific Gravity | 6.1 - 6.3 |
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Luster | Metallic |
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Cleavage | 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - basal |
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Fracture | Uneven |
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Tenacity | Brittle |
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Other ID Marks | Oxidation causes a slightly yellowish and/or pinkish hue. |
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Other Names |  Native Tellurium |
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In Group | Native elements ; Semi-metallic elements |
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All About | Native Tellurium is very rare. Only small quantities have been found, and it is only of interest to the mineral collector. |
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Uses | Native Tellurium is uncommon, and is only
occasionally used as an ore
of tellurium. Nevertheless, the uses of the element
tellurium are briefly mentioned: Tellurium is used industrially for thermoelectric apparatuses and in the process of creating rubber. It is also used medically, and as a coloring for glass. Another use is as a gasoline additive to to reduce engine knock. |
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Striking Features | Tin-white color with slight yellowish-pinkish tarnish, unusual crystal habit, specific localities. |
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Complex Tests | Dissolves in nitric acid and aqua regia. |
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Popularity (1-4) | 3 |
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Prevalence (1-3) | 3 |
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Demand (1-3) | 2 |
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Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
Bismuth - darker color [unless fresh surface], heavier (9.7 - 9.8) |
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Commonly Occurs With |
Sylvanite, Calaverite, Gold, Silver, Poughite |
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Noteworthy Localities |
Tellurium is very rare, and its localities are limited. Specimens have come from Transylvania, Romania, and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. It has also been found at Montezuma, Sonora, Mexico. In the U.S., the most famous locality is Cripple Creek, Teller Co., Colorado. It has also been found in Lincoln Co., Nevada, and in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, California. |
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Picture Links | Sorry. No Images currently available. |
