About the Element
Tellurium is relatively rare in the earth’s crust, and is in the same family as oxygen and sulfur. It’s main uses are as an alloy and as a semiconductor; it’s often mixed with other metals to improve strength, workability, and durability. Tellurium is also used in making ceramics, blasting caps, and was used in the casing of the first atomic bomb. it is also found in certain plants, such as garlic. In fact, overexposure to tellurium results in garlic breath. Tellurium was discovered independently by two different Hungarian scientists: Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein in 1782, and Pál Kitaibel in 1789 (he later gave credit to Müller). Originally named Problematicum due to trouble identifying it, it was later isolated by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, who named it in 1798. The name Tellurium is derived from the latin word “tellus”, meaning ‘earth”.

About the Print
This is a woodblock print, utilizing two blocks. Both blocks are repurposed from a friend’s lumber scrap stash. The print is done on Thai bamboo paper obtained from my local art supply store, and the ink is water-soluble Speedball ink. I chose Telluriium because I find garlic breath irresistible.

About the Printmaker
I live in Urbana, IL, with my husband, two cats, and a 20-year-old newt. I took one printmaking class in college, before changing my major from photography to creative writing, and recently rediscovered just how awesome it is. I enjoy making things, growing plants, reading books, hanging with nature, and making evil plans for world domination.

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Tellurium
by Anne Bargar

see also: Gadolinium

Symbol: Te
Atomic number: 52
Atomic weight: 127.60