Aluminium

What is aluminium?

Elemental Structure of Aluminum

Aluminium, best known as aluminum, is an ore that makes up 8% of the Earth's crust. Since it is not a naturally occurring element, it has to be derived from the ore found in many rocks called bauxite.

 It took years for scientists to come up with the process that allowed them to produce enough aluminum for us to enjoy it in everyday objects. In fact, it wasn't until 1886 that Charles Martin Hall discovered the method used today to produce aluminum in the numbers we do.
 
After I mentioned aluminum, you probably thought automatically of foil wrap. If so, you are correct. But aluminum isn't just for small things, like everyday soda cans and foil- it is also used in much larger things, such as airplanes and cars. Since aluminum is so lightweight, durable, and doesn't rust easy, it is used in a lot of other things including:
Window and door frames
Electronics
Mirrors
Flagpoles
Boats and trains