Aluminum is slivery white, nonmagnetic, no sparking, and extremely light weight. Among all elements Aluminum is 2nd among metals in malleability and 6th in conductibility. At room temperature this metal is a solid. Aluminum's symbol is Al, its atomic number is 13, and it has a mass of 27.0. Its boiling point is 2520°C, and its melting point is 660. °C. In its pure state Aluminum is weak and soft, but as an alloy it is hard, strong, and light weight. It is part of the Boron Group and usually exists and a cation (Al+3).
             This is the 3rd most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Aluminum is refined using the Bayer process. It's mainly found in minerals and gemstones, such as ruby, sapphire, and topaz. Aluminum Oxide is how this element is most often found.
             Aluminum was the first true chemical industry. By the end of the 1700s it was known that Aluminum Oxide contains a metal. Sir Humphry Davy established its name in 1808. In 1886, Hall and Héroult independently developed a basis for modern Aluminum production using electrical current. Within two years Aluminum companies were established in USA and Switzerland. In 1925, the American Chemistry Society officially accepted the spelling A-L-U-M-I-N-U-M.
             Aluminum is used in a variety of ways. It is used in kitchen utensils, aircrafts, rockets, telescopes, toys, and mirrors. Ancient civilizations used it to stabilize dyes, used medically to stop bleeding, treat skin conditions (such as ulcers, eczema, and dandruff). It is also used as packing material in products such as cooking foil and cans. When Aluminum is evaporated in a vacuum it forms a protective coat, that is corrosion resistant, and a reflector of radiant heat. Gemstones containing Aluminum are used in lasers. Aluminum compounds are used in paper treatments and water purification. In the space shuttle there is Aluminum foam. Commercially Aluminum coating adds a decorative l...