Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum is a silvery-white metal used for many industrial applications. In its natural form, aluminum is soft and pliable, but aluminum alloys formed with copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, or silicon can be very durable.

Pure aluminum is very rare in nature, as it must be refined from ores such as bauxite. Once it is refined, however, aluminum can be recycled endlessly. This makes it one of the most recycled metals, since it is easier to recycle aluminum than to refine bauxite.

Aluminum is used industrially for its light weight, its resistance to corrosion, and its ability to withstand very cold temperatures. While other metals become brittle when exposed to extreme cold, aluminum actually becomes stronger. Aluminum is also non-toxic, non-magnetic, and a good conductor of electricity.

Aluminum alloys are widely used in the aerospace and transportation industries because of their light weight compared with steel. They are also used in construction to build windows, doors, and siding. Aluminum is also used in packaging, making soft drink and beer cans, in foil for food storage, and in a large variety of consumer goods such as appliances and cooking utensils.