Chemical database: 10. Aluminium

Aluminium (Al) is a relatively hard metal with a silverish gray coloration. Its atomic number is 13, and its mass number is equal to 26.98. Density = 2.7 g/cm3. Melting point = 660.32 °C. Boiling point = 2519 °C. Most of the aluminium is produced from bauxite (a mineral which is composed of several aluminium compounds, like AlO(OH) and Al(OH)3). Aluminium is known for its relatively low density and for being resistant to corrosion thanks to its ability to form a layer of aluminium oxide on its surface which prevents further corrosion (passivation). It is used in the production of various vehicles (bicycles, cars, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.), in the production of packaging products, as a construction material, in electrotechnics, in pyrotechnics, in the productions of paint, in the production of rocket fuels and thermite, in the production of various alloys, etc.

Powdered aluminium can be bought in stores that sell paint, varnishes and solvents. It can also be found at workshops that make and sell paint, and in factories which process aluminium.