Everything Matters: Beryllium

Behold beryllium, an exceptionally light, strong metal that is both prized and poisonous. Found in minerals such as emeralds and other forms of beryl, beryllium is highly conductive to heat and electricity, impervious to a wide range of temperatures, non-magnetic, and capable of great elasticity, making it a favored material for aerospace projects such as space shuttles and satellites. Beryllium was instrumental to the discovery of neutron particles and is involved in nuclear research. Largely transparent to x-rays, beryllium foil is used to make radiation windows for x-ray tubes.

Like its lighter periodic neighbors, beryllium first emerged after the Big Bang. In the future James Webb Space Telescope, a 6.5-meter honeycomb of beryllium mirrors coated in gold will capture infrared light from the first star-forming regions of the universe. Learn more about the telescope's mission and its elaborate mirror manufacturing process-as well as the hazardous working conditions surrounding the toxic element.

Adults only (18+)