Aluminum is a lightweight metal and because of this property is used for many purposes. It is soft and pliable with a dull silvery look. It maintains this look because of a thin layer of oxidation on its surface. This oxidation means that it is corrosion resistant and can be used to protect many surfaces. When polished it has a higher reflective property than most metals with the exception of silver, gold and copper. Added to all these properties, it is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Aluminum is obtained by extraction from bauxite ore by electrolytic process.



Along with aluminum's great contribution towards the aerospace and construction industry, it is universally used to make mirrors. Aluminum reflects light and other substances very easily, thus making it a great metal for making mirrors and telescopes. Most mirrors have a thin layer of aluminum behind them to increase the quality of reflection. In telescopes, aluminum sheet is used behind the glass, to add to the magnification and reflection.

Nowadays, alluminum is used in alloy form. These alloys are very lightweight and strong. This makes them ideal for use in aircraft and rockets which need light and durable components. Alluminum alloys are stronger than the pure metal but with less anticorrosive properties. When a maximum amount of corrosion resistence is needed pure alluminum is used. It can also be used as a protective coating.

Aluminum is also used in powdered form to purify drinking water. When used for this purpose, it is often known as alum. It is strong enough to kill parasites that cause diseases in fish.

Most electrical wires are made of aluminum, as it is very cost effective. Even though copper is a safer metal, people opt for aluminum to save money. Since aluminum is a very good conductor of heat and electricity, people do not find aluminum a safe metal for electrical purposes in many countries, due to the risk of over heating.

Powdered alluminum is used in paint. It is especially useful for wood primer as when dry it acts as a water resistent barrier. Alluminum is also used as a silvering agent in paint. It is used as silvering on mirrors. The glass is placed in a heated chamber with alluminum and then exposed to oxygen. This forms a thin tough layer of alluminum oxyide as backing for the mirror. Originally silver was used for this pupose instead of alluminum, which is why the process is still called silvering.

Permanent magnets are made from aluminum alloys called Alnico alloys. To make Alnico magnet you have to heat aluminum to a certain temperature then cool it in a magnetic field. Alnico magnets have wide usages in making electrical gadgets.

Aluminum is an extensively used metal with a variety of uses. The Chinese people were the first users of aluminum during 300 A.D.They created things from aluminum in reality. Aluminum was used as a salt compound for dying by the Greeks and the Romans. Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in today's world.