| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Beryllium is the fourth element from hydrogen and is an Alkali Earth Metal that is found naturally as an oxide in the form of beryl, a precious gem that comes in a wide variety of colors including blue (aquamarines) and green (emeralds). Because beryllium has a low atomic number, it has few (four) electrons, making beryllium metal transparent to most radiation. This has made it ideal s cientific use in X-ray work and Electron Microscopy.
Beryllium is also quite resistant to oxidization by air at normal temperatures (although this may be due to a protective oxide as is seen with aluminum). This, along with its incredib le strength, has made beryllium ideal as an alloying agent to strengthen and protect other metals. Beryllium is now used in the bicycle industry in aluminum alloys which are very strong and incredibly light weight. Beryllium is also used in electronics to make beryllium/copper wires which defy corrosion. However, beryllium is highly toxic, and many industrial workers who deal with beryllium have gotten Berylliosis as a result of overexposure. Any web search for Beryllium will turn up even more information than I have given, in case this is a subject that interests you.