Wikijunior:The Elements/Beryllium
What does it look, feel, taste, or smell like?
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Beryllium has a sweet taste to it, but due to its toxicity it should never be eaten or sampled. It has no odor. It is grey, and light-weight.
How was it discovered?
[edit | edit source]Beryllium was found by Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin in 1798. Vauquelin found beryllium in beryl and emeralds.
Where did its name come from?
[edit | edit source]The name came from the Greek word for pale because the gemstone beryl is pale.
Where is it found?
[edit | edit source]It is found rarely in isolation in the earth. It is found in 30 mineral species including: Terlandite, Beryl, Chrsoberge, and Phenacite. It is found in large quantities in old stars. This was discovered in 1992 where scientists found a lot of beryllium in 6 old stars on the edge of the Milky Way.
What are its uses?
[edit | edit source]Did You Know?
- It is not known to be useful or necessary for plant or animal life.
- It usually used as hardening for metals.
- It does not rust at room temperature.
Because beryllium is one of the lightest metals and has one of the highest melting points of light metals, it has been used in structures for high speed aircraft and missiles. Because it also does not spark, it is used in non-sparking tools. Because it reacts with the alpha particles released by polonium to produce neutrons, it is used in A-bomb initiators. And finally, because it does not react with acid and uranium it is used to make nuclear generators.
Is it dangerous?
[edit | edit source]It is toxic, from moderate-high risks of health problems such as lung cancer, Chronic Beryllium Disease, and etc. Can also cause various skin problems.