Beryllium is a chemical element with symbol Be and atomic number 4. It is created through stellar nucleosynthesis and is a relatively rare element in the universe. It is a divalent element which occurs naturally only in combination with other elements in minerals.
Three reasons Beryllium stands out
- 1
Often used in things that fly.
- 2
Despite being lightweight, it is stiffer than steel.
- 3
X-rays pass through it so easily that it is used as a window material in X-ray machines.
Light, stiff, and unforgiving
Beryllium combines low mass with remarkable stiffness, so small amounts strengthen aerospace structures and precision instruments. It barely absorbs X-rays, making thin beryllium windows useful in detectors. The same element demands strict handling, because inhaled beryllium dust can cause serious chronic lung disease.