Aluminum

Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silvery-white, soft, non-magnetic and ductile metal in the boron group. By mass, aluminum makes up about 8% of the Earth's crust, making it the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon.

Properties of Aluminum

Physical Properties:
- Melting Point: 660.3°C
- Boiling Point: 2519°C
- Density: 2.70 g/cm³
- High electrical conductivity
Chemical Properties:
- Reacts with acids to release hydrogen gas
- Forms an oxide layer when exposed to air, providing corrosion resistance
- Does not easily react with water due to the oxide layer

Uses of Aluminum

Aluminum has a wide range of applications due to its various properties:

Construction: Used in building materials, window frames, and structural components
Transportation: Commonly used in the aerospace industry, automotive components, and packaging materials
Electrical: Widely used in electrical transmission lines, as well as in electronic devices and components
Consumer Goods: Used in household items such as foil, utensils, and beverage cans

Aluminum in the Environment

Aluminum is not known to be a significant nutrient for plants or animals, and no evidence suggests that it is an essential mineral for humans. However, it is commonly found in the environment due to its abundance in the Earth's crust.