Aluminum, with the chemical symbol Al and atomic number 13, is a silvery-white, ductile member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has a unique blend of properties that make it incredibly useful in various applications.
In nature, Aluminum doesn’t exist in its free state due to its highly reactive nature. It occurs most commonly in the form of Bauxite ore, which is a mixture of Aluminum hydroxides, iron oxides, and clay minerals. The process of extracting Aluminum from Bauxite involves several steps, including Bayer’s process and Hall-Héroult process, which ultimately produce 99.99% pure Aluminum.
Chemically, Aluminum is remarkable for its low density and resistance to corrosion due to the phenomenon of passivation. When the surface of Aluminum is exposed to air, it forms a thin layer of Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) that protects the metal from further oxidation – a property that is crucial to its durability.
At TXRocks, we’re proud to be a key player in the wholesale supply of critical minerals across the globe. One of our top offerings is Aluminum – a powerhouse in the minerals industry, with its ore Bauxite as the primary source. The versatile nature of Aluminum makes it indispensable in various industry segments, cementing its place as a critical resource.