Beryl and emeralds (Be3Al2Si6O18)
known to the ancients and recognized as identical by Haüy (founder
of crystallography). Vauquelin separated the earth (1798), named “glucina”
from the sweet taste (now known to be toxic); element isolated in
1828 by Wöhler and Bussy.
mp 1287º bp 2970º sp gr 1.8
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With the discovery of the famous Colombian
fields in the 1500’s, the quality of emeralds improved.
Note that the crystal habit is identical for emerald and beryl
— this was the original hint that the two were identical.
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Beryllium was originally discovered in Siberian
emeralds. This sample above, from the Ural Mountains, is embedded
in schist. Emerald is a gem form of beryl.
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Beryl, Al2Be3Si6O18,
crystallizes in hexagonal prisms. Both beryl and emeralds have
been known for centuries, but the chemical identity was established
only in the late 1700’s.
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Beryllium can be milled into light machine
components. This is a beryllium rotor for a guided missile.
While machining this metal, one must be protected from beryllium
dust, which is very poisonous.
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Beryllium copper, typically with a composition
of 4% beryllium in copper, is the most important of the alloys.
This material has excellent spring characteristics and is used
in watch springs. It also is used in non-sparking tools, such
as hammers used in an explosive or combustible environment.
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