What is the Difference Between Beryllium and Aluminium?

Beryllium and aluminum are two distinct metallic elements with different physical and chemical properties. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Density: Beryllium has a density of 1.85 g/cc (0.067 lb/cu.in.), while aluminum's density is approximately 45% higher at 2.7 g/cc (0.097 lb/cu.in.).
2. Hardness: Beryllium is a harder and more brittle material compared to aluminum.
3. Chemical Properties: Beryllium and aluminum have different chemical properties, with beryllium being a group II element and aluminum being a group XIII element.
4. Periodic Table Position: Beryllium is located in group II and period 2 of the periodic table, while aluminum is in group XIII and period 3.
5. Natural Occurrence: Beryllium naturally occurs in minerals such as Bertrandite, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, and Phenakite, with an abundance of about 4-6 ppm in Earth's surface. Aluminum is the second most abundant metallic element in Earth's crust and has only one naturally occurring isotope, aluminum-27.
6. Industrial Applications: Beryllium is primarily used in the aerospace industry due to its lightweight and high-strength properties. Aluminum is widely used in various industrial applications, being the second-largest metallic element used globally.

In some cases, beryllium and aluminum can be combined to form alloys, such as aluminum-beryllium alloys, which have specific properties that can be beneficial in certain applications.

Comparative Table: Beryllium vs Aluminium

Here is a table comparing the differences between Beryllium and Aluminium:

Beryllium and Aluminium have some similarities, such as both being metals that form covalent connections, and their oxides and hydroxides being amphoteric in nature. However, they also have distinct differences in their atomic properties, appearance, and classification within the periodic table.