This chapter describes some of the processes used to concentrate beryllium-rich minerals from ores. It discusses the flotation of bertrandite and phenacite from calcite, mica, fluorspar, and quartz-containing ores, the flotation of beryl from pegmatitic gangues and low-grade deposits, and the use of chemical activators and conditioning agents. It also explains that hand sorting is still very common because of processing challenges and inefficiencies.

Beryllium is the 44th most abundant element on Earth, with an estimated concentration of six parts per million in the Earth’s crust. It is found in various forms in more than 100 minerals, two of which, beryl and bertrandite, account for most of the beryllium produced throughout the world. This chapter describes where and how beryllium is obtained and provides facts, figures, and insights on global supply and demand.

This chapter describes some of the chemical processes that have been developed to extract beryllium from different types of ore. It covers the Kjellgren-Sawyer sulfate method, the Degussa method, Copaux-Kawecki fluoride extraction, solvent extraction, and leaching and settling. It also provides information on electrolytic extraction and the use of electrorefining.