Mechanical properties

Atomic number: 13
Symbol: AI
Atomic weight: 26.981539
Melting point: 660.37°C,
Boiling point: 2,467°C,
Specific gravity of 2.6989 (20°C),
Valence: 3.
Nonmagnetic and non-sparking
Easily formed, machined, or cast
First made: In 1825 by the Danish scientist Hans Oersted

Fun facts

• Ancient Greeks and Romans used aluminium compounds as an astringent, for medicinal purposes, and to dye clothes.
• There is lots of aluminium on the moon.
• When you recycle an aluminium can, it can be back as new drink can in just two months.

• Rubies, emeralds and sapphires consist mainly of crystalline aluminium compounds.
• The energy you save by recycling a single aluminium can will run a TV for three hours.
• Four six-packs of aluminium cans will support the weight of a 4,000-pound aluminium car.

• In the 1850s, aluminium was more valuable than gold – aluminium was priced at $1,200 per kg and gold at $664 per kg.