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Beryllium
(Photo Credit: PeriodicTable.com)
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Period: 2
Block: S
Atomic Number: 4
Relative Mass: 9
Beryllium was discovered in the year 1797 by the French chemist named Nicolas-Louis Vauquelin. This is a very rare element within the universe which normally comes about by a process of spallation (The breaking of a nucleus into several parts). According to some sources, the name for this element was changed from Glyceynum because of the sweet nature of the beryllium salts - with that name come from the Greek word Glykis meaning sweet. Though, I wouldn't suggest that you ingest beryllium as it has plenty of health concerns. It could cause anything from Lung inflammation to skin irritation and lesions. It's fair to say that beryllium is toxic but this element can also be carcinogenic (a substance which can cause cancer). If inhaled, the element cause the incurable inflammation lung problem - berylliosis.
Please don't inhale/consume beryllium.
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| Aquamarine (Photo Credit: Mineral.net) |
Beryllium is found within 30 different mineral species. There are a few gemstones which contain this element. The notable ones are Aquamarine, emerald and chrylosberyl. If the element were to stand on its own - as just Beryllium, it would be a silvery-white metal which has a low density and is soft. Its surprisingly brittle for a metal at room temperature - a temperature point usually taken between 20c and 27c. Though you can improve the physical properties of beryllium when the element is combined with another metal. In this case, these other elements/metals which are used are Aluminium (Al), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Nickle (Ni). These alloys often go on to be used in tools. Certain tools made of the beryllium copper alloy are hard and strong which doesn't create sparks when struck against a steel surface... Properties which everyone would believe are very good properties to have for any tool.
Though beryllium won't form an oxide until it is put into very high temperatures.
The Uses
- To make alloys with copper or nickel, in order to make gyroscopes, springs, electrical contacts and non-sparking tools
- Other alloys are used to manufacture structural components. Anything such as high-speed aircraft, missiles or spacecraft
- In nuclear reactors as a reflector or moderator of neutrons
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