There are a variety of copper alloys in the world. One such variety is beryllium copper.

Beryllium copper, like many other metals, including bronze, is pliable and machinable, making it an excellent choice for musical instruments, weaponry, and tools.

Beryllium copper is uniquely strong and lightweight and, though it offers many uses, can be quite toxic depending on its form and how it’s used. As a hardened solid, beryllium copper creates no known health hazards. If found in the form of dust, mist or fumes, beryllium copper can be quite toxic.

In fact, It is recommended that beryllium copper always be handled in accordance with work safe codes specified for the proper handling of the alloy.

Uses

Beryllium copper can be significantly hardened through heating. Because of its strength, it has many uses, including springs, spring wire, load cells, cell phones, cameras, missiles, gyroscopes, and aircraft.

It is also used as part of the analytical equipment employed when testing blood for a variety of diseases, including HIV. Beryllium was also a significant ingredient used in creating the mirrors in NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

Fast facts

Some interesting facts about beryllium copper include:

The melting point for beryllium is 2,348.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1,287 Celsius) and the boiling point is 4,479 F (2,471 C). Because of its high melting point, it is a sought-after metal for use in nuclear work as well as ceramic applications.

Beryllium copper has a variety of uses, primarily due to its significant strength and a high tolerance for heat. Because of this, it is a non-sparking, non-magnetic alloy and regularly used to conduct heat and electricity as well as used within environments with explosives and featuring extremely high heat. While it can be toxic if not handled properly in several forms, the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.