Aluminum is an abundant metal
with many uses. It comes from an ore called bauxite which looks like clay.
Bauxite contains aluminum along with several other substances. The other
substances must be extracted. To do this, they grind the bauxite and put
it in pressurized tanks. The other substances form a mass which is removed
by filters. A liquid is then left over. Workmen put it through several
other processes which finally leave a white, powdery chemical mixture containing
aluminum and oxygen, called alumina. The two elements are then separated
using electricity, a metal is finally produced. Aluminum comes in many
forms, it has a silvery and bright luster and is light weight. |