 Mixing about 2 @.@ 0 % beryllium into copper forms an alloy called beryllium copper that is six times stronger than copper alone . Beryllium alloys are used in many applications because of their combination of elasticity , high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity , high strength and hardness , nonmagnetic properties , as well as good corrosion and fatigue resistance . These applications include non @-@ sparking tools that are used near flammable gases ( beryllium nickel ) , in springs and membranes ( beryllium nickel and beryllium iron ) used in surgical instruments and high temperature devices . As little as 50 parts per million of beryllium alloyed with liquid magnesium leads to a significant increase in oxidation resistance and decrease in flammability . 
