Beryllium is the chemical element with the symbol Be and atomic number 4.

It is a relatively rare element in the universe. It is the result of the collision of larger atomic nuclei with cosmic rays. For this reason, the circulation of his NFT is reduced compared to that of the elements already released.

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When used

• Beryllium is used as a binder in the production of copper-beryllium (due to its ability to absorb large amounts of heat). Copper-beryllium alloys are used in a wide range of applications due to their electrical and thermal conductivity, high strength and hardness, diamagnetic properties, as well as resistance to corrosion and fatigue. These applications include the production of: spot welding electrodes, springs, non-sparking tools and electrical contacts.
• Due to their stiffness, lightness and dimensional stability over a wide temperature range, copper-beryllium alloys are used in the aerospace and military industries as lightweight structural materials for the manufacture of supersonic aircraft, missiles, spacecraft and telecommunications satellites.
• Thin sheets of beryllium are used in X-ray diagnostic tools to filter out visible light and allow only X-rays to be detected.
• In the field of X-ray lithography, beryllium is used for the reproduction of microscopic printed circuits.
• Beryllium is also used in the construction of gyroscopes, computer parts, watch springs and instruments where light weight, rigidity and dimensional stability are required.
• Beryllium oxide is useful in many applications that require an excellent heat conductor, with high strength and hardness, a high melting point, and acting as an electrical insulator.
• Beryllium compounds were used in the tubes of fluorescent lamps, but this use was abandoned due to the beryllium affecting the workers involved in their production.
• Beryllium, alloyed with bronze, is used to produce spark-proof tools.
• In HI-FI, thanks to its lightness and rigidity, beryllium is sometimes used to produce small parts of the cartridges such as the cantilever, the tiny rod that supports the diamond of the needle with which the musical information contained in a phonograph record is read. vinyl.
• Also in HI-FI, beryllium is sometimes used for the construction of the membranes of the tweeters, speakers specialized in the reproduction of high frequencies.

Dangerous

Beryllium and its salts are recognized toxic and carcinogenic substances (A1-ACGIH). Chronic berylliosis is a granulomatous lung disease caused by exposure to beryllium.