Beryllium

Description

Beryllium: Beryllium is a chemical element with the symbol Be and atomic number 4. It is a relatively rare element in the universe, usually occurring as a product of the spallation of larger atomic nuclei that have collided with cosmic rays. Within the cores of stars, beryllium is depleted as it is fused into heavier elements. It is a divalent element that occurs naturally only in combination with other elements in minerals. Notable gemstones which contain beryllium include beryl (aquamarine, emerald) and chrysoberyl. As a free element, it is a steel-grey, strong, lightweight, and brittle alkaline earth metal. Beryllium is alloyed with copper or nickel to make springs, gyroscopes, electrical contacts, spot-welding electrodes, and non-sparking tools, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. Other beryllium alloys are utilized in high-velocity planes and missiles, in addition to spacecraft and communication satellites. Beryllium copper is likewise used in windshield frames, brake discs, support beams, and different structural components of the space shuttle. Thanks to its low thermal neutron absorption cross-section, beryllium is utilized in nuclear reactors as a reflector or moderator. Moreover, the high melting point of beryllium oxide makes it a beneficial material for nuclear work and ceramic applications, according to the Los Alamos National Laboratory.