Beryllium is concentrated in silicate minerals relative to sulfides. The greatest known concentrations of beryllium are found in certain pegmatite bodies, where crystals of beryl account for a few percent of the total pegmatite volume, and may be found in several of the strata of zoned dykes. The element is sometimes concentrated in hydrothermal veins, and some granitic rocks contain sufficient amounts to permit the crystallization of small amounts of beryl. Ceramic artists can be exposed to many hazardous materials, generally related to dry clays, glazes and kiln use. Glazes can contain lead, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, copper, vanadium and other materials which all have potential toxic effects.
Beryllium enters the environment principally from coal combustion.
Thus, secondary long term beryllium pollution emerges from the slag and ash dumps. Soil concn generally range from 0.1-40 ppm, with the average around 6 ppm. The method was sensitive to about 4 pg of Be. Beryllium level reported in milk, 0.02 ppm in ash. 24 ug Beryllium in soft tissue.