 Beryllium 's chemical behavior is largely a result of its small atomic and ionic radii . It thus has very high ionization potentials and strong polarization while bonded to other atoms , which is why all of its compounds are covalent . It is more chemically similar to aluminium than its close neighbors in the periodic table due to having a similar charge @-@ to @-@ radius ratio . An oxide layer forms around beryllium that prevents further reactions with air unless heated above 1000 ° C. Once ignited , beryllium burns brilliantly forming a mixture of beryllium oxide and beryllium nitride . Beryllium dissolves readily in non @-@ oxidizing acids , such as HCl and diluted H2SO4 , but not in nitric acid or water as this forms the oxide . This behavior is similar to that of aluminium metal . Beryllium also dissolves in alkali solutions . 
