Page 27 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Beryllium (Be)
Element 4. Beryllium is a brittle, steel- grey metal. It is a poorly reacting element that does not tarnish in air. It is a member of group 2 in the Periodic Table.
Beryl is used to obtain the element beryllium by roasting it with a fluoride compound that makes beryllium fluoride, which is soluble in water. Further treatment makes it precipitate. Beryllium oxide is harder than glass.
Discovery
Beryllium was discovered by Nicholas LouisVauquelin in France in 1797.
It was only isolated as an element in 1828 by Friederich Wöhler.
Technology
Beryllium is used in metal alloys to add
hardness and to prevent sparking.
An alloy of 2% beryllium and
copper makes a very strong and
hard alloy that resists wear and
goes into precision bearings.The space
shuttle uses beryllium alloys for their
lightness and stiffness. It absorbs neutrons and
so can be used in nuclear reactors. Some gas mantles
are impregnated with beryllium compounds.
Hexagonal crystal of beryl
Geology
It is found combined in nature as the mineral beryl, beryllium aluminium silicate (Be3Al2(SiO3)6). Gemstones of beryl are emerald and aquamarine.
Biology
Compounds of beryllium are poisonous.
Key facts...
Name: beryllium (formerly known as glucinium)
Symbol: Be
Atomic number: 4
Atomic weight: 9.01
Position in Periodic Table: group 2 (2)
(alkaline earth metal); period 2 State at room temperature: solid Colour: steel-grey
Density of solid: 1.85 g/cc
Melting point: 1,278°C
Boiling point: 2,970°C
Origin of name: from the Greek word
beryllos, meaning beryl Shell pattern of electrons: 2–2
27