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Beryllium (atomic number 4) is a naturally occurring element. The commercially important ores are beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) and bertrandite [Be4Si2O7(OH)2]. The metal is silvery gray, has a low density (1.85 g/cm3) and moderately high melting point (1287°C), and is relatively stable in air. Beryllium is commercially available as a metal [in massive form (i.e., "logs") or as sheets, foils, or powder], alloys (with copper, nickel, or aluminum), beryllia (as a powder or ceramic), or a large variety of other compounds.
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