A silvery-white lustrous metallic element belonging to group 3 (formerly IIIB) of the periodic table; a.n. 13; r.a.m. 26.98; r.d. 2.7; m.p. 660°C; b.p. 2467°C. The metal itself is highly reactive but is protected by a thin transparent layer of the oxide, which forms quickly in air. Aluminium and its oxide are amphoteric. The metal is extracted from purified bauxite (Al2O3) by electrolysis; the main process uses a Hall–Heroult cell but other electrolytic methods are under development, including conversion of bauxite with chlorine and electrolysis of the molten chloride. Pure aluminium is soft and ductile but its strength can be increased by work-hardening. A large number of alloys are manufactured; alloying elements include copper, manganese, silicon, zinc, and magnesium. Its lightness, strength (when alloyed), corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity (62% of that of copper) make it suitable for a variety of uses, including vehicle and aircraft construction, building (window and door frames), and overhead power cables. Although it is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust (8.1% by weight) it was not isolated until 1825 by Hans Christian Oersted.
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