[time-nuts] beryllium oxide

[Hal Murray]

> Beryliosis.

The problem that I'm familiar with is dust made when machining beryllium.  In 
the 60s, MIT had a whole building that was full of the stuff leftover from 
machining parts for the Polaris guidance system.  Beryllium is light and 
stiff, good for making gyros.

Beryllium oxide is a ceramic similar to aluminum oxide.  I expect it's being 
used as an insulator with good thermal conductivity.  I'd expect that to be 
safe.

There might be troubles if you break it or grind it.  (It would probably 
ignore sandpaper.)