††††Aluminium is a silvery-white metal that is lighter and softer than most other metals, including iron and steel. It is the most common metallic element found in the Earth's crust.
In 1827, German Friedrich Wohler discovered how to make pure aluminium from its ore. It remained an expensive process for some time, and the metal was sufficiently rare to justify using it as a material for jewellery. By 1854 a cheaper method had been developed, although aluminium was still more expensive than other metals such as steel.
Aluminium is still very expensive to produce because it is extracted from an ore called bauxite in a process which requires a great deal of electrical power. Because of its light weight and because it does not rust or corrode, aluminium is widely used in the aircraft industry and for making engines. It is also used in making some cooking utensils, cans for beer and soft drinks, and foil.
