Hydrothermal beryllium mineralization in the Qingtian volcanic-intrusive complex, southeast China

•Report the petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of the Qingtian volcanic-intrusive rocks.•Reveal extensive Be mineralization during the hydrothermal alteration of the granite porphyry dikes.•F plays a key role in hydrothermal Be mineralization, and (CO3)2− and S2− increase the diversity of Be mineralization.•Be was derived from the later hydrothermal alteration of the surrounding tuff in the Qingtian volcanic-intrusive rocks.•Provide an example of the exploration of Be resources in volcanic-intrusive complexes along the southeast coast of China.