Beryllium-Containing Minerals Are Found in Rocks, Coal and Oil, Soil, and Volcanic Dust

From these sources, beryllium is emitted into the air and water by natural processes like erosion and by the burning of coal and oil. According to data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average concentration of airborne beryllium in the United States is very small (0.03 nanogram/cubic meter—a nanogram is one-billionth of a gram).

Beryllium used in industry begins as a silicate (BeSiO3) in beryl and bertrandite ores. In a very pure crystalline form, beryl is known to us as gems such as blue-green aquamarine and green emerald.

Bertrandite is mined in Utah, but other ores and scrap are imported into the United States, which is the world’s leading producer, processor, and consumer of beryllium products. According to U.S. Geological Survey reports, total US use of all forms of beryllium in 1996 was about 234 metric tons.

Lighter than Aluminum, Stiffer than Steel—Properties That Make Beryllium Useful

Light weight

* atomic weight is 9.0122

* second lightest of the metals, only 1/3 as heavy as aluminum

* density of 1.85 grams per cubic centimeter is similar to magnesium, and 2/3 that of aluminum

Stiffness or rigidity

* about 6 times stiffer than steel

* can withstand great force before bending

High melting point

* (1285 C) compared to other light metals

* holds its shape over a wide temperature range