Beryllium metallurgy

Beryllium's physical and chemical properties (low density, high electrical resistivity, high thermal conductivity, rigidity and resistance to acid corrosion) make it suitable for many uses in alloy, oxide or metal form. However, given its high price compared with other metals, applications are limited to cases where it is irreplaceable.

Two beryllium minerals, bertrandite and beryl, are of industrial importance. Bertrandite is the main mineral mined in the United States, and beryl is the main mineral produced in the rest of the world.

The world's largest producer, Brush Wellman, makes beryllium oxide BeO and beryllium hydroxide Be(OH) ₂ , directly from bertrandite and beryl. The hydroxide Be(OH) ₂ is converted to (NH ₄ ) ₂ BeF ₄ , which is crystallized and then decomposed to BeF ₂ . This is reduced by magnesium to obtain Be metal. Another route is to produce pure BeCI ₂ by fractional distillation and igneous electrolysis of the chloride in NaCl. Refining by vacuum or solvent melting, or by the Van Arkel process, is the final stage. The main commercial products are metal, oxide and alloys.

Beryllium dust and fumes are recognized as the cause of beryllosis, a serious chronic lung disease. Only recent scraps are recycled by the producer.