[2] Similar to diamond, it is a very hard compound.

It is used in nuclear reactors as a core material.

Beryllium carbide is prepared by heating the elements beryllium and carbon at elevated temperatures (above 950°C).

It also may be prepared by reduction of beryllium oxide with carbon at a temperature above 1,500°C: Beryllium carbide decomposes very slowly in water and forms methane gas: The rate of decomposition is faster in mineral acids with evolution of methane.

In hot concentrated alkali the reaction is very rapid, forming alkali metal beryllates and methane: This inorganic compound–related article is a stub.