a method for making high ductility beryllium bodies by controlling beryllium oxide particle growth during hot pressing of beryllium powder to a maximum median size of 150 nm . more particularly , particle size is controlled by utilizing starting beryllium powder containing a maximum total concentration of aluminum , silicon and magnesium of 200 ppm and consolidating the powder at a maximum temperature of 1400 ° f . ductility is also enhanced by utilizing starting beryllium powder containing a maximum beryllium oxide volume fraction of 1 . 6 percent and annealing the consolidated powder at temperatures of from 2000 ° to 2250 ° f . the anneal can be a separate operation or a continuation of the hot pressing operation .