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How is beryllium oxide different from the other alkaline-earth metal oxides?

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A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — alkaline-earth metal Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Beryllium oxide (BeO), also known as beryllia, differs from the other alkaline-earth metal oxides primarily in its chemical character. While the oxides of the other alkaline-earth metals are basic, beryllium oxide is amphoteric, meaning it can act as either an acid or a base depending on the environment.1

This distinction arises from the trend of increasing electropositive character as one moves down the group from beryllium to radium; whereas barium oxide is strongly basic, beryllium's position as the lightest member results in this unique amphoteric property.1

Additionally, beryllium oxide is a high-temperature refractory material characterized by an unusual combination of high electrical resistance, high dielectric strength, and high thermal conductivity. These physical properties make it useful for specialized applications, such as in ceramic components for rocket engines and high-temperature nuclear devices.2