Group II elements with exceptions of beryllium are known as alkaline earth metals. These are so called because their oxides and hydroxides are

The elements of group II consists of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium. The elements with exception of beryllium are commonly known as alkaline earth metals. This is because the oxides and hydroxides of these metals are alkaline in nature and found in earth's crust.