Beryllium is a light, stiff metal valued where low mass, dimensional stability, and X-ray transparency matter.
Atomic number
4
Category
Alkaline earth metal
Period
2
Group
2
State
Solid
Fun facts about Beryllium
Beryllium dust is highly toxic when inhaled.
Thin beryllium windows transmit X-rays while sealing detector equipment.
Copper-beryllium alloys combine strength with non-sparking behaviour.
Common uses of Beryllium
Aerospace structures
X-ray instrument windows
Copper-beryllium tools and springs
Where Beryllium sits in the periodic table
Beryllium is classified as a alkaline earth metal in period 2 and group 2 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Be with atomic number 4 and the listed atomic mass 9.0122. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.