ABSTRACT
NG11 OEE. I ILife Science Dept., University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham,
NG7 2RD. Unilever Research, Port Sunlight Laboratory, Wirral, Merseyside, L63 3JW.
Revised by G. Howells, T. R. K. Dalziel and J. P. Reader
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Sources and Uses of Aluminium Aluminium (Al) is a silver-white metallic element with a relative atomic mass of 26.98 and a relative density of 2.58. It is the world's most common metal, making up 7-8% of the earth's crust and the third most abundant element. The free metal is not found in nature; it is extremely reactive with a high oxidation potential. Aluminium compounds are found in almost all rocks, in surface waters, and in living organisms (although it is not considered to be an essential element). The primary minerals in which it is present include feldspars and micas in igneous rocks and, less commonly, cryolite and crystalline alumina.
