By Desiree Lavoy | Updated Aug 30, 2022
According to ChemistryExplained.com, aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It was first isolated in 1825 by Hans Christian Ørsted. The element has an atomic number of 13, a symbol of Al, an atomic weight of 26.98154, and an atomic radius of 143.1 pm.
Aluminum presents a silvery‑white appearance and is highly ductile and malleable, making it easy to shape and fabricate. It is non‑magnetic and has a melting point of 1,220.576 °F (660.32 °C) and a boiling point of 4,472.33 °F (2,421 °C). These properties, combined with its low density, make it lightweight yet strong.
When exposed to oxygen, aluminum spontaneously forms a thin, adherent oxide layer (Al₂O₃) that protects the metal from further corrosion. While the bulk metal is relatively unreactive, powdered aluminum can ignite readily, especially under flame or shock. The element also reacts with both strong acids and bases, producing hydrogen gas in the case of acids.
The unique combination of light weight, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication has made aluminum indispensable in modern industry. It is widely used for:
