Discovered : by N.L. Vauquelin in 1797 Isolated in 1828 by Friedrich Wohler in Berlin, Germany and A.A. Bussy in Paris, France Origin : The name comes from 'beryllos', the Greek for the semi-precious stone beryl. Description : A lightweight, silvery metal that is alloyed in small amounts to copper and nickel to increase their ability to conduct electricity and heat. The common ore from which it is derived is beryl; when this mineral contains traces of chromium, the results are an emerald. Beryllium and its compounds are very poisonous, and inhalation can lead to an incurable inflammation of the lungs called berylliosis. Image : Beryllium used in gears and cogs.