Beryllium (Be): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Beryllium is element 4 on the periodic table, an alkaline earth metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DBeryllium quick facts
| Atomic number | 4 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Be |
| Atomic mass | 9.012 |
| Category | Alkaline Earth Metal |
| Group and period | Group 2, period 2 |
| Block | s-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 2 |
| Discovered | 1798, Vauquelin |
What is beryllium used for?
- Aerospace structural components
- X-ray window material
- Nuclear reactor moderators
Interesting facts about beryllium
- Extremely toxic. Beryllium dust causes chronic beryllium disease (CBD)
- Weight for weight, beryllium is about 6× stiffer than steel
- Copper-beryllium alloys don't spark, making them vital in explosive environments
Beryllium was discovered in 1798 by Vauquelin in France.
Where beryllium sits on the periodic table
Beryllium is in group 2, period 2. Tap any element to open its page.
Other alkaline earth metals
Beryllium questions
What is the atomic number of beryllium?
Beryllium has atomic number 4, so every beryllium atom has 4 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Be and its atomic mass is 9.012.
Is beryllium a metal?
Beryllium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an alkaline earth metal, found in group 2, period 2.
What is the electron configuration of beryllium?
The electron configuration of beryllium is [He] 2s². Its electrons sit in 2 shells: 2, 2.
What is beryllium used for?
Beryllium is used for aerospace structural components, x-ray window material and nuclear reactor moderators.
Who discovered beryllium?
Beryllium was discovered in 1798 by Vauquelin in France.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.