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Definition of the Beryllium Element
A high-melting,
lightweight, corrosion-resistant, rigid, steel-gray metallic
element used as an aerospace structural material, as a moderator
and reflector in nuclear reactors, and in a copper alloy used for
springs, electrical contacts, and non-sparking tools.
Origin / Meaning of the name Beryllium
The name beryllium comes
from the Greek word beryllos meaning beryl.
Classification of the Beryllium Element
Beryllium is
classified as an "Alkaline Earth Metals" which are located in
Group 2 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as
an Alkaline Earth Metals are found in the Earth’s crust, but not
in the elemental form as they are so reactive. Instead, they are
widely distributed in rock structures.
Facts about the History of the Beryllium
Element
Beryllium was discovered in
France by Nicolas-Louis Vauquelin in beryl and in emeralds
in 1798 and was isolated as the metal independently by Friedrich
Wöhler and A.A. Bussy in 1828.
Occurrence the Beryllium Element
Beryllium is found in 30 different minerals
Minerals include bertrandite, beryl, chrysoberyl, and phenacite
Other precious forms of beryl are emerald and aquamarine
Mined in the USA, China, Russia and Brazil
Associated Uses of Beryllium
Alloying agent in the production of beryllium copper - non
magnetic and non sparking tools
Spacecraft
Missiles
Aircraft
Communication Satellites
Gyroscopes
Beryl provides the green colour in emerald and blue in aquamarine gemstones
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