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Beryllium ores contain no more than 5% Be, because it is so light. The first step is to decompose the beryl, and separate the beryllium. This can be done with hydrofluoric acid or fluorides, producing a soluble fluoberyllate such as BeF2·2KF. Sulphates or chlorides can also be formed. Beryllium can then be precipitated as the hydroxide Be(OH)2, which on heating gives BeO. BeO, beryllia, is a very useful ceramic with a melting point of 2570°C and great resistance to thermal shock.
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