Chemical Elements History and Information Beryllium

About the chemical element Beryllium, its symbol, atomic number and weight, who discovered it and when.

The Atomic Elements and Their Uses

(Element) (Symbol) (Atomic number) (Atomic weight)

Beryllium Be 4 9.01218

Discovered by Louis Nicolas Vauquelin of France in 1798 and isolated independently by Friedrich Wohler of Germany and A. A. B. Bussy of France in 1828. Beryllium and copper produce an alloy as hard as tool steel. Many Incan copper tools contained beryllium, and the tough characteristics of this alloy may explain how the Incas could cut stones with their seemingly primitive implements. Beryllium is used for springs, pivots, and other components for space-age equipment. Beryllium is harmless if taken orally, but beryllium dust is extremely poisonous when inhaled and can cause acute respiratory disease and even cancer.