Beryllium History

In 1798, N.L. Vauquelin discovered the element in beryl and emerald. Beryllium was first isolated in 1828 by Wöhler. It is used in specialty alloys such as spring metal in which it increases toughness. It was once known as glucinium because of the sweet taste of its compounds (which, alas, are toxic). During World War I, larger amounts of beryllium were made, but it was not until the early 1930s when mass quantities of beryllium were made. During World War II, the Brush Beryllium Company was popular as the demand for beryllium copper alloys and fluorescent material in lamps grew.