Aluminium

Aluminium, a metal which does not occur in nature in the free state, but for the most part in combination with silica, as a silicate of aluminium, in clay and many minerals. As extracted from clay by a series of very difficult chemical operations, it forms a white metal, very ductile and malleable, and susceptible of a high polish. S.G. 2-6, M.P. 700° C, At. Wt. 27. On account of its lightness aluminium is highly valued; it forms excellent alloys, and, as it has recently become far cheaper than heretofore, has undoubtedly a great future before it.