Discovered : by Baron Franz Muller von Reichenstein in 1783 Isolated in Sibiu, Romania Origin : The name is derived from the Latin ‘tellus’, meaning Earth. Description : A semi-metal obtained as a grey powder. Its compounds are to be avoided because not only are they poisonous but contact with even the tiniest amounts leads to unpleasant body odours! Image : Earthlike. Tellurium animation - click the icon above to launch. (Quicktime required) For more 109 Project animations click here.