Be
9.012Beryllium
Berilyum
Beryllium is a light, hard alkaline earth metal with a high melting point for its mass. It is used in copper alloys, aerospace components, X-ray windows and nuclear applications, but its dust and compounds are highly toxic.
4
9.0122 g/mol
[He] 2s²
2 | 2
1.57
1.85 g/cm³
1286.8 °C
2468.8 °C
Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin
Beryllium was identified in beryl and emerald minerals by Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin in 1798. Its name comes from beryl, the mineral family in which it was first recognized.
Beryllium-9
Natural abundance: 100%. The only stable naturally occurring isotope of beryllium.Beryllium-10
Natural abundance: Trace amounts. Half-life: 1.39 million years. A radioactive isotope used in geological and climate studies.BeO
Beryllium OxideCeramic material with high thermal conductivity for specialized electronics.BeCl₂
Beryllium ChlorideUsed in beryllium chemistry and as a starting material for other compounds.Be(OH)₂
Beryllium HydroxideIntermediate in the production of beryllium compounds.- Copper-beryllium alloys for springs, electrical contacts and non-sparking tools
- Lightweight aerospace and satellite components
- X-ray windows because beryllium is transparent to X-rays
- Neutron reflectors and moderators in nuclear technology
- Precision instruments that need stiffness with low mass
Beryllium has no known biological role. Beryllium dust and many beryllium compounds are hazardous because inhalation can cause serious lung disease.
- Beryllium is one of the lightest metals.
- Beryllium has a high melting point compared with many other light metals.
- Beryllium occurs in gemstones such as emerald and aquamarine as part of beryl minerals.
- Beryllium oxide has unusually high thermal conductivity for a ceramic material.
- Beryllium safety is important because fine particles can be harmful when inhaled.
- Beryllium has atomic number 4 and belongs to group 2.
- Its electron configuration is [He] 2s².
- Beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric, reacting with both acids and strong bases.
- Beryllium commonly forms Be²⁺, but its small ion size gives its compounds unusual covalent character.
What is the atomic number of beryllium?
The atomic number of beryllium is 4.
What is the electron configuration of beryllium?
Beryllium has the electron configuration [He] 2s².
Is beryllium toxic?
Yes. Beryllium dust and many beryllium compounds are toxic, especially if inhaled.
Is beryllium hydroxide amphoteric?
Yes. Beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric, so it can react with both acids and strong bases.
What is beryllium used for?
Beryllium is used in copper alloys, aerospace parts, X-ray windows, precision instruments and nuclear technology.