A grey metallic element of group 2 (formerly IIA) of the periodic table; a.n. 4; r.a.m. 9.012; r.d. 1.85; m.p. 1278°C; b.p. 2970°C. Beryllium occurs as beryl (3BeO.Al2O3.6SiO2) and chrysoberyl (BeO.Al2O3). The metal is extracted from a fused mixture of BeF2/NaF by electrolysis or by magnesium reduction of BeF2. It is used to manufacture Be-Cu alloys, which are used in nuclear reactors as reflectors and moderators because of their low absorption cross section. Beryllium oxide is used in ceramics and in nuclear reactors. Beryllium and its compounds are toxic and can cause serious lung diseases and dermatitis. The metal is resistant to oxidation by air because of the formation of an oxide layer, but will react with dilute hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. Beryllium compounds show high covalent character. The element was isolated independently by F. Wöhler and A. A. Bussy in 1828.
https://www.webelements.com/beryllium/ Information from the WebElements site