What is beryllium?

Amidst the vast array of elements that make up our universe, one element stands out with its exceptional properties and fascinating allure. Welcome to the world of beryllium, the enigmatic gem hidden within the periodic table. From its dazzling lustre to its extraordinary strength, beryllium has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike, leaving a shimmering trail of curiosity in its wake. In this essay, we embark on a journey of discovery to unravel the captivating secrets of beryllium, exploring its unique characteristics, applications, and the remarkable role it plays in our daily lives. Brace yourself as we delve into the brilliance and brilliance of beryllium, illuminating the wonders that lie within this extraordinary element.

The properties of beryllium

What does beryllium look like?

Beryllium is a lightweight, steel-grey brittle metal. The chemical properties of beryllium are similar to that of aluminum. Beryllium does not occur in its pure form in nature, but rather in the beryl ore and other solutions.

Where can beryllium be found?

Only three countries in the world produce commercially viable quantities of beryllium, namely the United States, China and Kazakhstan. Like most metals, the production of beryllium starts with the mining of beryllium-containing minerals, such as beryl ore. The beryl ore is melted, solidified, crushed and then treated with sulphuric acid to produce a water-soluble sulfate. A series of chemical extractions then take place to produce beryllium hydroxide which is the commonly used material in beryllium alloys and other uses of beryllium.

Is beryllium expensive?

Pure beryllium is relatively expensive and is selling at around 600 to 800 dollars per pound.
You can buy beryllium on Amazon:

10mm beryllium cube (Click to view the price on Amazon)
Small beryllium cube, perfect for an element collection.

Are we running out of beryllium?

There is currently no indication that we are running out of beryllium since it is a metal that is not in high demand compared to the available resources.

Can beryllium be recycled?

Beryllium is recyclable and since it is a rare and expensive element, it is often recycled and reused.

Who discovered the beryllium element?

Louis Nicolas Vauquelin, the French pharmacist and chemist, discovered a new element in beryl ore and emerald, in 1798. He gave it the name glaucinium, but the name was changed to beryllium later, as it is known today.

Friedrich Wöhler was the first person to isolate beryllium in 1828.

What is beryllium used for?

Beryllium is used as a low percentage component in hard metal alloys, that are used in high-quality springs, gyroscopes, high-speed aircraft, spacecraft, and non-sparking tools. Beryllium increases the strength of copper by a factor of six and increases metals' electrical and thermal conductivity.

Uses for beryllium compounds:

Beryllium compounds are generally colorless and have a distinctly sweet taste, of which the most common is beryllium oxide and beryllium chloride.

Beryllium Oxide is a high temperate factory material and has an unusually high electrical resistance and dielectric strength, with high thermal conductivity. It is used in rocket engines and high-temperature nuclear devices.

Beryllium Chloride is a colorless hygroscopic compound that catalyzes the Friedel-Crafts reaction and is used in cell baths for electrowinning or electrorefining beryllium

Is beryllium dangerous?

Beryllium is toxic and carcinogenic and is harmful in its airborne particulate form. When inhaled an immunologic response called beryllium sensitization occurs, which can develop into chronic beryllium disease, that causes scarring of the lung tissue and can be deadly.

There is currently no cure for this disease.

How can an ordinary person make money from the beryllium industry?

To make money from the element beryllium as an ordinary person, one option is to invest in companies involved in the beryllium industry. These companies may engage in mining, refining, manufacturing, or utilizing beryllium in various applications. By purchasing stocks of such companies, one can potentially benefit from their growth and profitability.

Companies whose stock prices might be influenced by beryllium.

One example of a company whose stock prices can be influenced by beryllium is Materion Corporation. As a leading global supplier of advanced materials, including beryllium products, Materion's stock prices may be affected by factors such as demand for beryllium in industries like aerospace, defense, and electronics, as well as the company's overall financial performance.

Interesting facts about beryllium

• Beryllium played a role in the discovery of the neutron
• Beryllium was the primary ingredient to make the mirrors in the James Webb space telescope
• The United States Department of Defense classified beryllium as a strategic and critical element since it can be found in products that are essential to national security.
• The beryllium mine at spore mountain, Utah produced more than 85% of the beryllium excavated in the world in 2010.
• Louis Nicolas Vauquelin, the chemist who discovered beryllium also discovered, chromium.
• Beryllium is highly transparent to X-rays.

Funny beryllium Jokes, Puns and One-Liners

What did the german student say when the teacher said the atomic weight of beryllium is 8. “Nein!” (Because beryllium has an atomic weight of 9.012 and Nein means no in German)

What did the oxygen say to the beryllium element? Sometimes you can be 2 positive. (Because beryllium has a 2+ charge)

People say I'm obsessed with chemistry jokes, beryllium (but really I'm) not...

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