Overview
Beryllium is a hard, lightweight alkaline earth metal with high stiffness and thermal stability.
Properties
It has high melting point, low density and excellent dimensional stability under thermal stress.
Occurrence and Uses
Used in aerospace structures, precision instruments and X ray equipment where transparency to X rays is needed.
Isotopes and Safety
Natural beryllium is mostly Be 9; inhalation of beryllium dust can cause chronic beryllium disease and requires strict occupational controls.