Appearance
Beryllium is a steely grey metal

Source
Beryllium is found in many mineral species, the most important of which are Bertrandite, Beryl, Chrysoberyl and Phenacite. Aquamarine and Emerald are precious forms of Beryl.

Beryl and Bertrandite are the most important commercial sources of Beryllium and its compounds. The metal is usually prepared by reducing Beryllium fluoride with Magnesium.

Uses
Beryllium is used as an alloying agent in producing Beryllium Copper, which is used for electrical contacts, spot-welding electrodes, springs and non-sparking tools. Beryllium is used as a structural material for high speed aircraft, missiles, spacecraft and communications satellites. It is extensively used in the Space Shuttle.

Because Beryllium is relatively transparent to x-rays, ultra-thin Beryllium foil is used in x-ray lithography to produce micro-miniature integrated circuits. It is also used as a reflector or moderator in nuclear reactors. Beryllium oxide has a very high melting point and has applications as ceramics.

General Information
Beryllium is one of the lightest of all metals, and has one of the highest melting points. It is a third more elastic than steel. It resists attack by concentrated Nitirc Acid, has excellent thermal conductivity and is non-magnetic. It ordinary temperatures it resists oxidation by air. Both Beryllium and its salts are toxic and carcinogenic.