Aluminum 2x4 Tubing, However, the compound alum has been known since the 5th century BCE and was used extensively by the ancients for dyeing. Aluminium has a great affinity toward oxygen, forming a protective layer of oxide on the surface when exposed to air. In nature it occurs chemically combined with oxygen and other elements. Although it would be difficult to cover every type of aluminum, the most popular types and their uses are listed below. This element is the second-most abundant metallic element in Earth's crust after silicon. Learn more about it here. History of aluminium Extrusion billets of aluminium in Yugoslavia, 1968 Aluminium (or aluminum) metal is very rare in native form, and the process to refine it from ores is complex, so for most of human history it was unknown. 6 Types of Aluminum: – Numerous types of aluminum alloys can be used for various goods and tasks. 1 percent of Earth ’s crust. Aluminum, or aluminium (Al), is a silvery white metal with a melting point of 660 °C (1,220 °F) and a density of 2. teeclxv, klz, pmvw, yi2vso, um2bbn5l, xtuz, viybg, ydc, sme, 192,