Chemical Characteristics of Beryllium

Beryllium is a steel-gray metal that tarnishes slowly in the air due to oxide forming around it. This thin layer of oxide allows beryllium to scratch glass. Common compounds containing beryllium are emerald and aquamarine. Due to its light, stiff, and stable structure, beryllium alloys are being used in industrial work more and more.   

Like all elements in the 2nd group on the periodic table, beryllium has +2 oxidation state.  With a small atomic radius, Be²⁺ has high polarization characteristics allowing it to form many covalent bonds. Beryllium forms an oxide layer making it not react with air or water even in extreme heat. However, when it is ignited, beryllium burns brightly making beryllium oxide and beryllium nitride.  Beryllium dissolves easily in non-oxidizing acids, such as HCl, with the exception of nitric because it forms the oxide making it very similar to aluminum metal.    

Beryllium combines with many non-metals to form binary compounds, such as beryllium oxide (BeO). BeO is a white solid that has a high melting point, making it useful in engines, radio equipment, and semiconductor devices.