beryllium [Be]

Introduction

Named for the mineral beryl. Discovered in 1798 by French chemist Nicholas Vauquelin. First isolated in 1828.

Occurrence

• relatively rare
• found in 30 different minerals

Characteristics

• a steel gray light strong brittle toxic bivalent metallic element

Uses

• as an alloy with copper, aluminum or nickel
  • hardening agent
  • imparts electrical & thermal conductivity to alloys
  • applied as a structural material for high-speed aircraft & spacecraft

Pathology

(Toxicology)

• inhalation of finely powdered berylium compounds can lead to berylliosis

Laboratory

• beryllium in specimen
  • beryllium in air
  • beryllium in water
  • beryllium in hair
  • beryllium in tissue
  • beryllium in body fluid
    • beryllium in blood
    • beryllium in saliva
    • beryllium in serum/plasma
    • beryllium in urine

More general terms

• alkaline earth metal

Additional terms

• periodic table