Aluminum is the most abundant of all metals, and it is the third most abundant element in the earth´s crust. However, it does not occur as a metal in its natural state. Aluminum ore (bauxite) must be first mined and chemically refined to produce aluminum oxide (alumina), and intermediate product. Alumina is then refined into the pure metal by an electrolytic process.  

Aluminum is a ductile metal that can be worked by rolling, drawing, spinning, extruding and forging. Aluminum has a relatively high thermal and electrical conductivity. In contact with oxygen it develops a thin, invisible oxide cover that protects the element from corrosion and also turns it impermeable. Aluminum is also lightweight, durable, easily formed, non-toxic, and infinitely recyclable. 

All this characteristics makes it a sought-after material for a wide variety of applications, from transportation, construction, packaging, architectural, chemical, electrical and space travel to the latest developments of consumer electronics, such as laptops, smartphones and tablets.