Final answer:
The ratio of beryllium to aluminum in the mineral beryl with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18 is 3:2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mineral beryl is composed of beryllium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18. To find the ratio of beryllium to aluminum in beryl, simply compare the subscript numbers associated with each element in the chemical formula. Beryllium (Be) has a subscript of 3, and aluminum (Al) has a subscript of 2, which means that the ratio of beryllium to aluminum is 3:2.
Beryl is a mineral of economic importance due to its gem varieties, especially emerald and aquamarine, which are highly valued in the jewelry industry. The different colors in beryl are caused by the presence of trace elements. For example, chromium and vanadium contribute to the green color of emerald, while iron impurities can give aquamarine its blue hue.
Thus the ratio of beryllium to aluminum in the mineral beryl with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18 is 3:2.