Day 4: Interesting Facts About Beryllium
Atomic Symbol: Be; Atomic Number: 4; Atomic Mass: 9.01218

1. Beryllium is mainly 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. Common uses include light bulbs, fluorescent tubing, electronic devices, and focus of the lasers for laser-eye surgery.
2. It has only two-thirds the density of aluminum, is six times stiffer than steel, and is non-magnetic.
3. Beryllium is thus used on space shuttles, space telescopes, and missiles due to its strong, yet lightweight nature.
4. Though beryllium tastes sweet, it is toxic. Chronic exposure to beryllium (typically through inhalation) can lead to a life-threatening allergic disease called berylliosis.

Image: This piece of beryllium was originally purchased about 25 years ago from Brush-Wellman, by far the largest and oldest company in the world that deals with the production, refining, and fabrication of beryllium.