Applications of beryllium

Despite having problems of beryllium being brittle, pricey, and poisonous, it still has many valuable purposes. Its light weight, non-magnetic properties, and reluctance to spark is great for non-sparking tools.  Beryllium is great for making aircraft and space ships due to its low density, high heat capacity, and high modulus of elasticity.

With a simple nuclei of just 4 protons and 5 neutrons, beryllium is great for tubes as it allows all radiation to pass through easily.  On the contrary, beryllium atoms reflect neutrons making it great for reflectors, moderators, and control rods in research reactors. Beryllium oxide is a great electric insulator and heat conductor. It is transparent to microwaves making it useful in microwave communications systems.  Beryllium oxide is also used in computers, lasers, and automotive ignition systems.