Tellurides are a group of minerals that contain the element tellurium, typically combined with metals such as gold, silver, or lead. They are often found in hydrothermal veins and can appear in various forms, including crystalline structures. Tellurides are important in mining because they can be sources of valuable metals. These minerals are usually characterized by their metallic luster and can range in color from silver to dark gray. Tellurides are studied for their unique properties and potential applications in electronics and materials science, making them a subject of interest in both geology and industry.