BerylliumBe

TF and PO12/9/13

Period 4

Brief HistoryEmeralds and beryl both known to the

EgyptiansIt wasn’t realized that emeralds and beryl

are the same mineral (beryllium aluminum silicate) until the end of the 18 century

Discovered by Louis Nicolas Vauquelin (1763-1829) in 1797 in France

Origin of name: from Greek word “beryllos” meaning “beryl”

Isolated much later on in 1828 by Friedrich Wohler and Antoine Bussy by the action of potassium on BeCl2 in a platinum crucible

Important CharacteristicsGroup 2 element (alkaline earth

metal) and period two elementS-block elementResists oxidation in air at ordinary

temperaturesBeryllium compounds are very toxicIt can scratch glassAquamarine and emerald are

precious forms of the mineral berylTendency to lose an electron Compounds are rather covalent

Important PropertiesMelting point: 1,287 degrees Celsius Boiling point: 2,469 degrees CelsiusStandard state: solidMetalDensity: 1.85 g/cm^3Oxidation number: +2Electronegativity: 1.57Atomic radius: 112pmSteel grey in colorIt is hard and brittleShiny, metallic luster

Important UsesX-ray windowsCeramicsA moderator in nuclear reactionsSprings, electrodes, and nonsparking toolsHigh performance aircraft, missiles, spacecraft (such

as the U.S.A. space shuttle), communication satellitesGyroscopes, computer parts, and musical instrumentsMilitary applicationsMirrorsJewelry (emeralds, etc.)Welding

Value of Beryllium in ChemistryCost per gram: $0.93 per gramLightest member of the alkaline earth metalsUsed as a low percentage component of hard

alloys, especially with copper as the main

constituent but also with nickel- and iron-based alloys

-strengthens copper to help prevent sparking when used in tools

-bonded to metals to reduce inflammability and tarnishing

Fun FactBecause any beryllium synthesized in stars is

short-lived, it is a relatively rare element in both the universe and in the crust of the earth.

Sourceshttp://images-of-elements.com/beryllium.phphttp://chem.wisc.edu/deptfiles/genchem/lab/p

tl/bios/vauqueln.htmhttp://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/2012/03/g

emfields-emeralds-shine-out-as-the-responsible-choice/

http://www.counterclockwisebook.com/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall/

http://www.ign.com/blogs/macroplanet/2010/12/07/space-art-red-dwarf