Al atomic # 13
atomic wt. 26.97

Aluminum is the most plentiful metallic element in the earth's crust. It is the third most common element after oxygen and silicon. Although aluminum is present in most rocks and minerals, the only mineral that aluminum is commercially extracted from is bauxite. Major producers of bauxite are Australia, Guinea, Jamaica and Brazil with other countries around the world contributing lesser amounts, including the US.

Because aluminum does not occur uncombined in nature like gold and copper, it was unknown as a metal until the 1820's. Slowly, refining was perfected until commercially viable methods were invented at the end of the 1880's. Until then, aluminum was in very limited supply, rivaling gold in value. Highly regarded as a precious metal, aluminum was used to make the small pyramid-shaped cap "stone" on the top of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

Today, aluminum is valued for its versatility. It is lightweight, 1/3 the weight of steel, and can be just as strong. The metal is also corrosion- resistant, a good electrical conductor, and easily worked by standard forming methods. Aluminum is used in every industry, and is all around us in forms as varied as electrical transmission lines, structural elements in cars and planes, and food and beverage containers.

We use an aircraft grade aluminum in our work. This alloy contains less than 3% of alloying metals, giving it strength and working properties. We purchase only raw material, as high-temper sheet, rod, or wire. The embossing and shaping we do further work-hardens the metal. Anodizing gives it an even harder finish. The resulting work is lightweight, durable, and brilliantly colored.

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