A process for converting beryl to beryllium oxide, based on quenching the melted beryl in cold water. The resultant frit reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid, and is steamed and agitated. The liquid, containing soluble beryllium and aluminum sulfates, is filtered and pumped to a tank where ammonium hydroxide is added. The resulting filtrate is further treated with a chelating agent to prevent impurities from precipitating upon subsequent addition of caustic soda. Hydrolysis follows, and the precipitate, beryllium hydroxide, is filtered off. This precipitate is ignited in an electric furnace to form beryllium oxide.