USGS MRP Coloring Page Bertrandite

Critical Minerals Coloring Sheet: Bertrandite

The mineral bertrandite, chemical formula Be₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂, is the primary source for the critical mineral beryllium. Fun fact: the only beryllium mine in the United States is Spor Mountain, Utah. Pictured is a sample of bertrandite with patches (gray) and veins (black lines) of fluorite (CaF₂).

Powerful telescopes like the James Webb Space Scope use beryllium metal for their mirrors. Be-Cu alloys are important for electronics like smartphones, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), high-definition (HD) televisions, and thermostats. Military targeting systems also need beryllium.

References

[1] https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/about-2025-list-critical-minerals 

[2] Foley, N.K., Jaskula, B.W., Piatak, N.M., and Schulte, R.F., 2017, Beryllium, chap. E of Schulz, K.J., DeYoung, J.H., Jr., Seal, R.R., II, and Bradley, D.C., eds., Critical mineral resources of the United States—Economic and environmental geology and prospects for future supply: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1802, p. E1– E32, https://doi.org/10.3133/pp1802E.
[3] Boland, M.A., 2012, Beryllium—Important for National Defense: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2012–3056, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20123056.