4Be9.0122
Beryllium
Alkaline earth metalsReactive metals with two outer electrons, found in rocks, shells and bones.
[He] 2s²
- Atomic number
- 4
- Atomic mass
- 9.0122
- Protons
- 4
- Neutrons
- 5 (most common)
- Electrons
- 4
- Shells
- 2, 2
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 2, period 2
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byLouis-Nicolas Vauquelin, 1798Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin: 2 elements
Vauquelin found a new substance in the gem beryl and in emeralds. The metal itself was first isolated in 1828.
Did you know?
- It is very light but extremely stiff.
- Its dust is toxic, so it is handled with great care.
Where it's found
- Beryl
- Emeralds and aquamarines
What it's used for
- X-ray machine windows
- Light, stiff parts for aircraft and satellites
- The mirrors of the James Webb Space Telescope
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Beryllium. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.