Beryllium hydroxide

The basic raw material for processing into beryllium metal, copper-beryllium and other alloys, and beryllia for ceramic products.

Manufacture of beryllium and beryllium oxide.

Feed material for products such as ... beryllium alloys.

Most beryllium compounds, with the exception of beryllium oxide, have no commercial or technical use, and are only encountered in the production of beryllium metal as intermediary materials ... or as laboratory chemicals. (Beryllium compounds).

Industrial uses: Other.

Beryllium Hydroxide is a white colored, crystalline, inorganic compound that emits toxic fumes of beryllium oxides upon heating. Beryllium hydroxide is mainly used to produce beryllium metal and alloys. Inhalation exposure to its dust irritates the nose, throat and lungs and can cause pneumonitis. Prolonged exposure can result in a chronic beryllium disease called berylliosis causing granuloma and fibrosis formation in the lungs. Beryllium is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. (NCI05)

The sulfate process, the only process currently used, involves either alkali or heat treatment of beryl. With alkali treatment, which was discontinued in the 1960s, finely ground beryl was heated until fusion or sintered below the melting-point with suitable alkalis, such as hydroxides and carbonates of sodium, potassium and calcium. With heat treatment, which has been used since the 1970s, beryl is melted without additives and quenched with water, the water insoluble portion, a solid solution with silicon dioxide, is reheated to 900 °C to render a total of 90-95% of the beryl soluble.