Tellurium is a metalloid chemical element with atomic number 52. It belongs to the chalcogen group of the periodic table, displaying chemical properties that bridge the characteristics of metals and nonmetals. In its elemental form, it is a lustrous solid that readily forms various compounds, some of which are utilized in specialized technological applications. Industrially, tellurium compounds are valuable in the development of thermoelectric materials, where they are used to convert heat energy to electrical energy, or vice versa. It is also incorporated into certain alloys and compounds for use in electrical components and photovoltaic systems.