Aluminum: From Precious to Ubiquitous

Aluminum was once more precious than gold, and Napoleon III served honored guests with aluminum cutlery. The Hall-Heroult electrolysis process slashed its cost, and today aluminum encases aircraft, cans, and window frames. It is the most abundant metal in the crust yet never occurs free in nature. Recycling aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy needed to smelt it fresh..

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