The most important minerals are beryl, [Be3Al2(SiO3)6], which is often found as hexagonal prisms, and bertrandite [4BeO.2SiO2.H2O]. Aquamarine and emerald are precious forms of beryl.

Abundances of beryllium in various environments

Abundances for beryllium in a number of different environments. Use the links in the location column for definitions, literature sources, and visual representations in many different styles (one of which is shown below)

Location ppb by weight ppb by atoms

Universe 1 0.1

Sun 0.1 0.01

Meteorite (carbonaceous) 30 70

Crustal rocks 1900 4300

Sea water 0.0006 0.00041

Sea water 0.0006 0.00041
Stream 0.1 0.01
Human 0.4 0.3

The electron affinity of beryllium is 0 kJ mol-1.

Ionisation Energies

This section includes ionisation energies of beryllium.

Ionisation energy number Enthalpy /kJ mol-1

1st 899.5
2nd 1757.1
3rd 14848.7
4th 21006.6

Electronic configuration