Discovered in: 1797 (First isolated in 1828)

Discovered by: Nicholas Louis Vauquelin of France

Description: Named for the gemstone beryl, of which it is a component. Beryllium is a soft, silvery-white, shiny metal. It is very light and has a high melting point, so it is desirable for use in metal alloys. It is used in alloys with nickel and copper as a light-weight structural material. Beryllium has a very high elasticity, consequently it is often used for gears and springs and other elastic devices. It is transparent to X-rays, so it often is used to make windows in X-ray tubes. Compounds of beryllium are very poisonous. Even dust of the powdered metal or its oxide may cause very serious illness when inhaled.

Biologic Rating: No known beneficial properties for life.

Biological Benefits: Beryllium has no known biological use.

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: near 0%

Obtained from: Beryllium is obtained from the minerals beryl and bertrandite. Beryl provides green emerald and blue aquamarine gemstones. Other beryllium-bearing minerals include chrysoberyl, gadolinite and herderite. It is mined in the USA, China, Russia and Brazil.