title: Beryllium carbonate
text: # Beryllium carbonate
  
  Beryllium carbonate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula $BeCO_3.$
  
  ## Structures
  
  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 $CO_2.$ The tetrahydrate is said to be formed when $CO_2$ is bubbled through a solution of $Be(OH)_2$ 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 $Be_2CO_3(OH)_2.$ 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.
  
  