Abstract Prototypic pebbles composed of Be12V showing no peritectic reaction during cooling were successfully fabricated without homogenization. These Be12V prototypic pebbles were found to have a good oxidation resistance. BeO layer on the surface of Be12V pebbles was found to act as a protective barrier preventing the hydrogen generation reaction. Thus, the effect of BeO layer as a surface modification of beryllide was evaluated. Using surface-modified pebbles, hydrogen generation experiments were repetitively (3 times) carried out at 1273 K for 24 h. The hydrogen generation rate was nearly reduced to the background level by this surface modification. Thus, surface-modified Be12V pebbles showing no-hydrogen generation reaction were successfully fabricated.