Question #6ac44

1 Answer
Apr 20, 2017

Beryllium is a rare element. It can be found as a complex silicate in the mineral beryl, which gives the element its name.

Explanation:

Beryl is a complex silicate containing both beryllium and aluminum metals. Its chemical formula is #"Be"_3"Al"_2("SiO"_3)_6#.

Beryl is colorless when completely pure, but in nature it is generally found with impurities that color it. Different colors can appear in gemstones such as aquamarine and emerald.

Beryl is also used as the ore from which beryllium metal is extracted. The element beryllium is used for the window in X-ray machines, so if you have ever been X-rayed you have used beryllium and thus beryl.