Insoluble forms of beryllium comprise the entire commercial market for beryllium. As with many metals, the toxicity profile of soluble beryllium compounds differs from that of pure beryllium metal. However, this scientific fact is not generally recognized in assessments or reviews of beryllium metal toxicology. The literature does not generally reveal data for beryllium metal relative to genotoxicity, skin irritation, skin sensitization, or even oral toxicity. It is apparent that studies of toxicity endpoints observed in animals, including carcinogenicity, are almost entirely focused on soluble beryllium compounds with limited data on beryllium metal alone. It is also well known that the evidence relating to carcinogenicity of beryllium metal in humans is subject to uncertainty. This article is intended to provide the reader an evidence-based perspective on beryllium metal toxicity and contrast that to the toxicity of soluble beryllium compounds.