Beryllium is a metal with an unusual combination of physical and mechanical properties that make it particularly effective in optical components, precision instruments, and specialized aerospace applications. Almost all of the beryllium in use is a powder metallurgy (P/M) product. Beginning with an overview of the mining and refining processes of beryllium, this Article discusses powder production and consolidation methods, beryllium grades and their designations, and the protective measures that have been enacted to reduce exposure to beryllium.