Beryllium carbonate, with the chemical formula BeCO3, is a chemical compound composed of beryllium (Be) cations and carbonate (CO3^2-) anions. It is a white or light gray solid that is sparingly soluble in water.

Beryllium carbonate is not commonly encountered in practical applications due to the rarity and high cost of beryllium metal. However, it does exist as a chemical compound and can be prepared by reacting beryllium salts with carbonate ions.

Some key properties and uses of beryllium carbonate include:

1. Laboratory Reagent: Beryllium carbonate can be used as a laboratory reagent in certain chemical reactions and analytical procedures.
2. Beryllium Source: Beryllium carbonate is used as a source of beryllium in some chemical reactions and as a precursor to other beryllium compounds.
3. Beryllium Ceramics: Beryllium carbonate can be used in certain specialized ceramics, particularly in the preparation of beryllium oxide (BeO) ceramics, which have excellent thermal and electrical properties.

Beryllium compounds, including beryllium carbonate, are known to be toxic and pose significant health hazards, especially if inhaled or ingested. Beryllium is a hazardous material and can cause a severe lung disease known as chronic beryllium disease (CBD) in susceptible individuals. Therefore, handling beryllium compounds, including beryllium carbonate, requires extreme care and strict adherence to proper safety protocols.

Due to its potential toxicity and rarity, beryllium carbonate is primarily used in specialized research and laboratory settings. Its limited applications are mostly related to its role as a precursor to other beryllium compounds and its use in the preparation of advanced ceramics with specific properties.