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.

One of the many uses of alluminum are mirrors. Because it has one of the highest reflective properties of all metals, it is used widely for mirrors and telescopes. A thin sheet of the metal is placed behind float glass to make household mirrors. In telescopes the sheet of alluminum is placed in front of the glass for added reflection and magnification.

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 in a powder form is used for water treatment to kill bacteria and make the water safe and sound. This powdered aluminum is known as allum. Allum is also used to destroy parasites that are source to some fish diseases.

Many electrical wirings used to be made of alluminum. Although copper is safer it is much more expensive. Alluminum is an extremely good conductor of heat and electricity. For this reason there was a serious risk of fire due to overheating so now household wiring is no longer made from alluminum in many areas.

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.

Alnico alloys, are alluminum alloys and are used to make permanent magnets. Alnico magnets are made by heating to a certain temperature and cooling in a magnetic field. They are used widely in electrical devices.

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.