Appearance
Aluminium is a hard and strong, silvery white metal. An oxide film prevents it from reacting with air or water.

Source
Aluminium is not found free in nature, but is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust, making up 8.1% by mass, in the form of minerals such as Bauxite and Cryolite. Most commercially produced Aluminium is obtained by the Bayer process of refining Bauxite. In this process the Bauxite is refined to pure Aluminium oxide, which is then electrolytically reduced to pure Aluminium.

Uses
Aluminium has an enormous number of uses, due to its particular properties. It is light, non-toxic, has a high thermal conductivity, has excellent corrosion resistance, and can be easily cast, machined and formed. It is non-magnetic and non-sparking. It is the second most malleable and the sixth most ductile metal. It is used extensively for kitchen utensils, external building decoration, and anywhere that a strong, light and easily constructed material is required.

Although its electrical conductivity is on 60% that of Copper, it is used as electrical transmission lines because of its light weight. Alloys of Aluminium with Copper, Manganese, Magnesium and Silicon are vitally important in the construction of aeroplanes and rockets.

Aluminium, when evaporated in a vacuum, forms a highly reflective coating for both light and heat which does not deteriorate as does a Silver coating. These Aluminium coatings are used for telescope mirrors, in decorative paper, packages and toys.

General Information
Aluminium oxide occurs naturally as Ruby, Sapphire, Corundum and Emery, and is used in glass making and refractories.

Aluminium cooking utensils do not decompose vitamins during the cooking process, although there is some concern of its absorption by the food. When the food is consumed, Aluminium can accumulate in the body, and this has been implicated as a potential causative factor in Alzheimer's Disease.