$3,000Median
10Sold (12 mo)
$2,500Last sale
Tellurium
38 in the gallery
Tellurium is a metalloid element that forms metallic, often lustrous crystals and nodules. In mineral form its appearance ranges from a silvery metallic to a lighter gray, with a characteristic flaky to granular habit when crystallized, and a bright metallic lustre that can catch the eye in hand samples.
- Formula
- Te
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Element; native element (tellurium)
Where Tellurium is found
About Tellurium
Prominent sources for tellurium-bearing specimens include mining districts in the United States and Mexico, with notable finds also reported from Romania and Tajikistan, among others. Collectors prize tellurium when it is paired with associated sulfides or native elements in compact aggregates, as well as when crystals show good surface sheen and minimal alteration. While not typically a dramatic mineral on its own, small, well-formed crystals or unusual habits from classic localities can be desirable for display and study.
Collectors seek tellurium for its rarity in crustal samples, its role in alloying and semiconductor research, and its place in comprehensive mineral collections. When found with clear crystallization and clean, unaltered surfaces, tellurium crystals contribute a distinctive metallic facet to a well-rounded cabinet.
