Beryllium carbonate

There are three forms reported, anhydrous, tetrahydrate and basic beryllium carbonate. The anhydrous form is reported to be unstable, decomposing to BeO and carbon dioxide, and requiring storage under . The tetrahydrate is said to be formed when is bubbled through a solution of and is also reported to be similarly unstable. ==Preparation==

Basic beryllium carbonate is a mixed salt, which can be prepared by the reaction of beryllium sulfate and ammonium carbonate, and contains both carbonate and hydroxide ions, with formula . It is believed that in the older literature this is probably what was referred to as beryllium carbonate. ==Safety==

It may cause irritation. Toxic. It should be handled carefully since several related beryllium compounds are known carcinogens. ==Natural occurrence==

No formations of purely beryllium carbonate are known to occur naturally. The only Be-rich carbonate mineral currently known is niveolanite. ==References==