Beryllium (Be) – A Lightweight, Strong, and Toxic Alkaline Earth Metal
1. General Information
- Symbol: Be
- Atomic Number: 4
- Atomic Mass: 9.0122 u
- Group: 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals)
- Period: 2
- Block: s-block
- Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s²
- Valence Electrons: 2
- Phase at Room Temperature: Solid
2. Isotopes of Beryllium
| Isotope |
Protons |
Neutrons |
Abundance |
| ⁹Be |
4 |
5 |
100% |
- ⁹Be is the only stable isotope.
3. Physical Properties
- Color: Silvery-white
- Density: 1.85 g/cm³ (low for metals)
- Melting Point: 1,287°C
- Boiling Point: 2,471°C
- State at STP: Solid
- Hardness: Brittle but strong.
4. Chemical Properties
- Resistant to Oxidation – Forms a thin oxide layer that prevents further corrosion.
- Reacts with Acids – Produces beryllium salts and hydrogen gas.
- Non-Magnetic and Non-Sparking
- Toxicity: Beryllium and its compounds are highly toxic if inhaled.
Reaction with Acid:
Be + 2HCl → BeCl₂ + H₂
5. Occurrence and Abundance
- Rare in Earth’s Crust: 2-6 parts per million (ppm).
- Found in:
- Minerals: Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈), Bertrandite.
- Gemstones: Emerald and Aquamarine (forms of beryl).
6. Production and Extraction
| Source |
Method |
| Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) |
Extraction through heating and chemical processing. |
| Bertrandite |
Leaching with sulfuric acid. |
7. Uses of Beryllium
| Application |
Description |
| Aerospace and Defense |
Lightweight components for satellites and aircraft. |
| Nuclear Reactors |
Moderator and reflector in nuclear reactors. |
| Electronics |
Used in X-ray windows and electronic connectors. |
| Medical Devices |
X-ray equipment and imaging technology. |
| Alloys (Copper-Beryllium) |
Strong, non-sparking tools and springs. |
| Optics |
High-performance mirrors and telescopes. |
8. Unique Properties of Beryllium
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Ideal for aerospace applications.
- Transparent to X-Rays – Used in medical imaging devices.
- High Thermal Conductivity – Efficient at dissipating heat.
- Stiffness: High modulus of elasticity (one of the highest for metals).
9. Beryllium Alloys
- Copper-Beryllium (CuBe): Strong, hard, and corrosion-resistant.
- Nickel-Beryllium: Used for resistance to wear and stress.
10. Safety and Toxicity
- Inhalation Hazard: Beryllium dust and fumes can cause berylliosis (chronic lung disease).
- Toxicity: Harmful if ingested or inhaled.
- Handling Precautions:
- Use protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust or inhaling particles.
- Work in ventilated environments.
Fun Facts About Beryllium:
- Beryllium is lighter than aluminum but stronger than steel.
- Emeralds are a form of beryl, containing traces of chromium or vanadium.
- James Webb Space Telescope’s mirrors are made of beryllium for its lightweight and stability at low temperatures.