Paratellurite
A variety of Minerals
What is Paratellurite?
Tellurium dioxide (TeO2) is a solid oxide of tellurium. It is encountered in two different forms, the yellow orthorhombic mineral tellurite, β-TeO2, and the synthetic, colourless tetragonal (paratellurite), α-TeO2. Most of the information regarding reaction chemistry has been obtained in studies involving paratellurite, α-TeO2.
Uses & Applications
It is used as an acousto-optic material. Tellurium dioxide is also a reluctant glass former, it will form a glass under suitable cooling conditions, or with small molar% additions of a second compound such as an oxide or halide. TeO2 glasses have high refractive indices and transmit into the mid-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, therefore they are of technological interest for optical waveguides. Tellurite glasses have also been shown to exhibit Raman gain up to 30 times that of silica, useful in optical fibre amplification.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Paratellurite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Paratellurite Localities Map
See where Paratellurite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Paratellurite
The longitudinal speed of sound in Tellurium dioxide is 4,260 metres per second (14,000 ft/s) at around room temperature.
Composition of Paratellurite
Paratellurite, α-TeO2, converts at high pressure into the β-, tellurite form. Both the α-, (paratellurite) and β- (tellurite forms) contain four coordinate Te with the oxygen atoms at four of the corners of a trigonal bipyramid. In paratellurite all vertices are shared to give a rutile-like structure, where the O-Te-O bond angle are 140°. α-TeO2 In tellurite pairs of trigonal pyramidal, TeO4 units, sharing an edge, share vertices to then form a layer. The shortest Te-Te distance in tellurite is 317 pm, compared to 374 pm in paratellurite. Similar Te2O6 units are found in the mineral denningite. TeO2 melts at 732.6 °C, forming a red liquid. The structure of the liquid, as well as the glass which can be formed from it with sufficiently rapid cooling, are also based on approximately four coordinate Te. However, compared to the crystalline forms, the liquid and glass appear to incorporate short-range disorder (a variety of coordination geometries) which marks TeO2 glass as distinct from the canonical single-oxide glass-formers such as SiO2, which share the same short-range order with their parent liquids.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greyish-white, pale yellow, creamy yellow
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- TeO2
- Elements
- O, Te
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Paratellurite FAQs
How do I identify Paratellurite?
Paratellurite can be identified by its hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale, Greyish-white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Paratellurite?
Paratellurite typically appears in Greyish-white, pale yellow, creamy yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Paratellurite?
Paratellurite has a hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of paratellurite of Paratellurite?
The longitudinal speed of sound in Tellurium dioxide is 4,260 metres per second (14,000 ft/s) at around room temperature.
What is the composition of paratellurite of Paratellurite?
Paratellurite, α-TeO2, converts at high pressure into the β-, tellurite form. Both the α-, (paratellurite) and β- (tellurite forms) contain four coordinate Te with the oxygen atoms at four of the corners of a trigonal bipyramid. In paratellurite all vertices are shared to give a rutile-like structure, where the O-Te-O bond angle are 140°. α-TeO2 In tellurite pairs of trigonal pyramidal, TeO4 units, sharing an edge, share vertices to then form a layer. The shortest Te-Te distance in tellurite is 317 pm, compared to 374 pm in paratellurite. Similar Te2O6 units are found in the mineral denningite. TeO2 melts at 732.6 °C, forming a red liquid. The structure of the liquid, as well as the glass which can be formed from it with sufficiently rapid cooling, are also based on approximately four coordinate Te. However, compared to the crystalline forms, the liquid and glass appear to incorporate short-range disorder (a variety of coordination geometries) which marks TeO2 glass as distinct from the canonical single-oxide glass-formers such as SiO2, which share the same short-range order with their parent liquids.
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