The author's exposition on the uses of beryllium is my favorite part of this book, including its employment in the faking of rare orange-pink sapphires called `padparadscha.' Because of its atomic structure, Beryllium also played an important role in the discovery of the neutron by James Chadwick in 1932. Kudos to Mr. Adair for explaining in simple language why the foil of this element was a perfect choice for detecting these neutral sub-atomic particles. Beryllium forms such remarkable alloys that it is used in "jets, gyroscopes, and jewelry, as well as in cameras, cell phones, golf clubs, watches, space telescopes, X-ray systems, trumpets and flutes, and nuclear reactors." This is an interesting book on an element that is unfamiliar to most of us.
- Paperback: 52 pages
- Publisher: Rosen Publishing Group (January 1, 2007)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1435837800
- ISBN-13: 978-1435837805
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
