Where is aluminum found in nature?

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. The properties of aluminum allow it to be actively used in metal structures: it is light, soft, stampable, and has high corrosion resistance.

Aluminum is characterized by high chemical activity and is also characterized by high electrical and thermal conductivity.

When an aluminum atom transitions to an excited state, two electrons of the s-sublevel are paired off, and one electron moves to the p-sublevel.

In nature, aluminum occurs in the form of minerals:

• Al2O3 - corundum
• 3BeO*Al2O3*6SiO2 - beryl (aquamarine - Fe impurity and emerald - Cr2O3 admixture)
• Al2O3*Cr2O3 - red ruby
• Al2O3 with Fe+2/Fe+3/Ti admixture
• Al2O3*H2O - bauxite

Aluminum is produced by electrolysis of Al2O3 melt in cryolite (Na3AlF6). Gallium, indium and thallium are obtained in a similar way - by electrolysis of their oxides and salts.

Al2O3 → (t) Al + O2 (in cryolite melt - Na3AlF6)

• Reactions with nonmetals

At room temperature, it reacts with halogens (except fluorine) and oxygen, becoming covered with an oxide film. Al + O2 → Al2O3 (the outside of Al is covered with an oxide film - Al2O3) Al + Br2 → AlBr3 (aluminum bromide) When heated, aluminum reacts with fluorine , sulfur, nitrogen and carbon.Al + F2 → (t) AlF3 (aluminum fluoride)Al + S → (t) Al2S3 (aluminum sulfide)Al + N2 → (t) AlN (aluminum nitride)Al + C → (t) Al4C3 (aluminum carbide)

• Reactions with acids and alkalis

Aluminum exhibits amphoteric properties (Greek ἀμφότεροι - dual), reacts with both acids and bases. Al + HCl → AlCl3 + H2Al + H2SO4 (dil.) → Al2(SO4)3 + H2Al + H2SO4 (conc. ) → Al2(SO4)3 + SO2 + H2OAl + HNO3(dil.) → Al(NO3)3 + N 2O + H2OAl + NaOH + H2O → Na[Al(OH)4] + H2 (sodium tetrahydroxyaluminate; since aluminum is given in its pure form, hydrogen is released) When calcined, complex salts are not formed, so water evaporates: Na[Al(OH)4] → NaAlO2 + H2O

• Reaction with water

At room temperature it does not work due to the formation of an oxide film - Al2O3 - in air. If you destroy the oxide film by heating an alkali solution or amalgamation (coating the metal with a layer of mercury), the reaction occurs. Al + H2O → Al(OH)3 + H2

• Aluminothermy

Aluminothermy (Latin Aluminum + Greek therme - heat) is a method of producing metals and non-metals, which consists in reducing their oxides with aluminum. Temperatures during this process can reach 2400°C. Using aluminothermy, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ca, Ti, V, W. Fe2O3 + Al → Al2O3 + FeCr2O3 + Al → Al2O3 + CrMnO2 + Al → Al2O3 + Mn are obtained

Aluminium oxide

Aluminum oxide is produced by reacting with oxygen - in air, aluminum is covered with an oxide film. When heated, aluminum hydroxide, as an insoluble base, easily decomposes into oxide and water. Al + O2 → Al2O3Al(OH)3 → (t) Al2O3 + H2O Exhibits amphoteric properties: it reacts with both acids and bases. Al2O3 + H2SO4 → Al2( SO4)3 + H2OAl2O3 + NaOH + H2O → Na[Al(OH)4] (sodium tetrahydroxoaluminate)Al2O3 + NaOH → (t) NaAlO2 + H2O (sodium aluminate)Al2O3 + Na2O → (t) NaAlO2

Aluminum hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is obtained through exchange reactions between soluble aluminum salts and alkalis. As a result of the hydrolysis of aluminum salts, a white precipitate often forms - aluminum hydroxide. AlBr3 + LiOH → Al(OH)3↓ + LiBrAl(NO3)3 + K2CO3 → KNO3 + Al(OH)3↓ + CO2 (double hydrolysis: Al(NO3) 3 hydrolyzes at the cation, K2CO3 at the anion)Al2S3 + H2O → Al(OH)3↓ + H2SExhibits amphoteric properties. Reacts with both acids and bases. Due to insolubility, aluminum hydroxide does not react with salts. Al(OH)3 + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + H2OAl(OH)3 + LiOH → Li[Al(OH)4] (if there is an excess of alkali, the correct spelling is Li3[Al (OH)6] - lithium hexahydroxoaluminate)

Source: https://studarium.ru/article/165

The most important nature of aluminum compounds

Al 2 O 3 2SiO 2 2H 2 O _ _

Kaolinite is a mineral of a subclass of layered silicates, the main component of white, refractory, and porcelain clay. It is usually a product of weathering. It has two polymorphic modifications - dickite and nacrite. Kaolinite is highly hygroscopic.

Bauxite:

Al 2 O 3 nH 2 O _

Bauxite is a sedimentary aluminum ore. They contain a harmful impurity - SiO 2. Bauxites serve as an important raw material for the production of aluminum, as well as paints, abrasives and refractory materials.

Corundum:

Al2O3 _ _ _

Corundum belongs to the class of simple oxides, and sometimes forms transparent precious crystals - sapphire, and, with the addition of chromium, ruby. It accumulates in placers. Mainly used as an abrasive material. Its mixture with magnetite, hematite, and spinel is called emery. Synthetic corundum with various additives is produced on an industrial scale for quantum electronics, watchmaking, jewelry and other industries.

Nepheline:

Na 2 O Al 2 O 2SiO 2 _ _

The mineral is gray, reddish and other crystals with a characteristic oily sheen. The main mineral of alkaline igneous rocks. It is used as a raw material for the extraction of aluminum with the associated production of soda.

Feldspar or orthoclase:

K 2 O Al 2 O 3 6SiO 2 _ _

Potassium feldspar. White, gray, pink, etc. One of the main constituents of granites, gneisses, and other igneous and metamorphic rocks. Raw materials for the glass and ceramic industries.

Varnavsky

The most important aluminum compounds.

Appearance:

Aluminum oxide is a hard, refractory white substance. It can form transparent crystals of sapphire or, with the addition of chromium, ruby.

Receipt:

Aluminum oxide is produced directly by burning aluminum metal powder and injecting it into the burner flame:

Chemical properties:

Al2O3 is an amphoteric oxide. It reacts with acids:

Al 2 O 3 + 6HCl 2AlCl 3 + 3H 2 O

with alkalis:

Al 2 O 3 + 2NaOH 2NaAlO 2 + H 2 O

In the presence of water, the reaction proceeds differently:

Al 2 O 3 + 2NaOH + H 2 O 2[NaAlO 2 H 2 O ]

This is explained by the fact that in water, sodium illuminate ( NaAlO 2 ) can attach one or two water molecules: NaH 2 AlO 3 or NaAlO 2 .

Appearance:

If the white jelly-like mass is isolated from the solution and then dried, the result is a white crystalline substance that is practically insoluble in water.

Receipt:

Aluminum hydroxide is obtained by reacting an alkali solution with solutions of aluminum salts. In this case, the alkali solution cannot be taken in excess.

AlCl 3 + 3NaOH Al(OH) 3 + 3NaCl

Aluminum in nature (7.5% in the Earth's crust)

Aluminum was isolated during an experiment on the effect of potassium mercury compounds on natural bauxite. Given the complexity of the process, aluminum remained the most expensive metal on earth for several decades.

Scientific research has led to the discovery of a relatively cheap method for producing aluminum using the method of step-by-step electrolysis with further purification and deposition of the metal. The widespread use of this method made it possible to obtain pure aluminum on an industrial scale. Current average daily production of this metal exceeds 130 thousand tons.

Main characteristics

A light, paramagnetic silver-colored metal with a cloudy surface. It lends itself well to molding and forging, and is practically not subject to corrosion. When exposed to air, it is coated with a natural protective layer of oxides, which prevents further reactions between aluminum and atmospheric oxygen. It has relatively low fracture strength and quickly accumulates fatigue, which limits its use in its pure form.

It conducts electricity and thermal energy well, second only to copper and platinum subgroup metals in these indicators. The relative cheapness of aluminum has ensured its widespread use as a structural metal and a universal dielectric.

Physical properties

The metal is ductile, with a relatively low density and high structural properties (high thermal and electrical conductivity, resistance to corrosion). The main physical properties of aluminum can be identified in the following list:

• Density - 2.7 g/cm3;
• Melting point - 659 0C;
• Plasticity coefficient - 50%;
• Electrical conductivity coefficient - 32*106 S/m;
• The average thermal conductivity is 204 W/m;

Unlike metals such as lead or copper, when heated to 600 degrees Celsius, aluminum becomes brittle and breaks into individual granules or grains. It conducts heat well, heats up easily and also cools down easily without any consequences for the crystal lattice of the metal.

Aluminum is a fairly active metal; it easily alloys with other metals and non-metals, forming a uniform crystal lattice with high structural qualities.

Chemical properties

Chemically active amphoteric element:

• Reacts with chlorine, bromine and other halogens, forming the corresponding salts;
• Reacts with non-metals;
• Dissolves in strong acids;
• It has the property of reducing other metals, which is used in the purification of iron and chromium;

All of the above reactions require additional catalysts and are carried out when heated.

aluminum in nature

The relative aluminum content is determined to range from 7% to 8% (average 7.5% by weight). The quantification includes all minerals and aluminum salts. The metal is part of a huge number of natural compounds. The main industrial raw materials for producing pure aluminum are bauxite, aluminosilicates and other natural minerals containing aluminum oxide.

Scope of application

The combination of low cost, corrosion resistance and high reactivity has made aluminum a leader among all metals used by modern industry. Aluminum is the most common alloying additive for the manufacture of alloys based on copper, magnesium, titanium and nickel. Increases elasticity and strength, gives the alloy anti-corrosion properties.

Aluminum is not much inferior to copper in electrical conductivity, while it has 4-5 times lower cost and a much easier cleaning process, which explains its distribution for the manufacture of conductor elements, capacitors and electronic components.

Aluminum is also used as a chemical catalyst (as part of combined compounds), in the production of mirrors and explosives. The neutrality of aluminum allows it to be used in the food industry for the manufacture of packaging materials and utensils.

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Aluminum, properties, alloys, production - Engineering reference book DPVA.ru / Technical reference book DPVA / Tables for engineers (ex DPVA-info)

Aluminum is a chemical element of group III of the periodic table of Mendeleev (atomic number 13, atomic mass 26.98154). In most compounds, aluminum is trivalent, but at high temperatures it can also exhibit the +1 oxidation state. Of the compounds of this metal, the most important is Al2O3 oxide.

Aluminum is a silvery-white metal, lightweight (density 2.7 g/cm3), ductile, a good conductor of electricity and heat, melting point 660 °C. It is easily drawn into wire and rolled into thin sheets.

Aluminum is chemically active (in air it becomes covered with a protective oxide film - aluminum oxide) and reliably protects the metal from further oxidation.

But if aluminum powder or aluminum foil is heated strongly, the metal burns with a blinding flame, turning into aluminum oxide.

• Aluminum dissolves even in dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, especially when heated. But aluminum does not dissolve in highly diluted and concentrated cold nitric acid. When aqueous solutions of alkalis act on aluminum, the oxide layer dissolves, and aluminates are formed - salts containing aluminum as part of the anion:
  • Al2O3 + 2NaOH + 3H2O = 2Na[Al(OH)4] .
• Aluminum, devoid of a protective film, interacts with water, displacing hydrogen from it:
  • 2Al + 6H2O = 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2
• The resulting aluminum hydroxide reacts with excess alkali, forming hydroxoaluminate:
  • Al(OH)3 + NaOH = Na[Al(OH)4].
• The overall equation for the dissolution of aluminum in an aqueous alkali solution has the following form:
  • 2Al + 2NaOH +6H2O = 2Na[Al(OH)4] + 3H2.
• Aluminum also actively interacts with halogens. Aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 is a white, translucent, gelatinous substance.
• The earth's crust contains 8.8% aluminum. It is the third most abundant element in nature after oxygen and silicon and the first among metals. It is part of clays, feldspars, and mica. Several hundred Al minerals are known (aluminosilicates, bauxites, alunites, and others). The most important aluminum mineral, bauxite, contains 28-60% alumina - aluminum oxide Al2O3.

Aluminum in its pure form was first obtained by the Danish physicist H. Oersted in 1825, although it is the most common metal in nature. Aluminum production is carried out by electrolysis of alumina Al2O3 in molten cryolite NaAlF4 at a temperature of 950 °C.

Aluminum is used in aviation, construction, mainly in the form of aluminum alloys with other metals, electrical engineering (a substitute for copper in the manufacture of cables, etc.), food industry (foil), metallurgy (alloying additive), aluminothermy, etc.

Aluminum density, specific gravity and other characteristics

• Density - 2.7*103kg/m3;
• Specific gravity - 2.7 g/cm3;
• Specific heat capacity at 20°C - 0.21 cal/deg;
• Melting point - 658.7°C;
• Specific heat capacity of melting - 76.8 cal/deg;
• Boiling point - 2000°C;
• Relative volume change during melting (ΔV/V) — 6,6%;
• Linear expansion coefficient (at a temperature of about 20°C) : — 22.9 *106(1/deg);
• Thermal conductivity coefficient of aluminum is 180 kcal/m*hour*deg;

Aluminum elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio

Name of material	Young's modulus, kg/mm2	Shear modulus, kg/mm2	Poisson's ratio
Aluminum bronze, casting	10500	4200	—
Aluminum wire drawn	7000	—	—
Rolled aluminum	6900	2600-2700	0,32-0,36

Reflection of light by aluminum

The numbers given in the table show what percentage of light incident perpendicular to the surface is reflected from it.

Wave name	Wavelength	Light reflection, %
Ultraviolet	1880 2000 2510 30503570	25 31 53 6470
Visible	5000 60007000	— —
Infrared	8000 10000 50000100000	— 74 9497

ALUMINUM OXIDE Al2O3

Aluminum oxide Al2O3 , also called alumina, occurs in nature in crystalline form, forming the mineral corundum. Corundum has very high hardness. Its transparent crystals, colored red or blue, represent the precious stones ruby ​​and sapphire.

Currently, rubies are produced artificially by alloying with alumina in an electric furnace. They are used not so much for decoration as for technical purposes, for example, for the manufacture of parts for precision instruments, watch stones, etc.

Ruby crystals containing a small admixture of Cr2O3 are used as quantum generators - lasers that create a directed beam of monochromatic radiation.

Corundum and its fine-grained variety containing a large amount of impurities - emery, are used as abrasive materials.

ALUMINUM PRODUCTION

The main raw material for aluminum production is bauxite containing 32-60% alumina Al2O3. The most important aluminum ores also include alunite and nepheline. Russia has significant reserves of aluminum ore. In addition to bauxite, large deposits of which are located in the Urals and Bashkiria, a rich source of aluminum is nepheline, mined on the Kola Peninsula. A lot of aluminum is also found in deposits in Siberia.

Aluminum is produced from aluminum oxide Al2O3 by the electrolytic method. The aluminum oxide used for this must be sufficiently pure, since impurities are difficult to remove from smelted aluminum. Purified Al2O3 is obtained by processing natural bauxite.

The main starting material for aluminum production is aluminum oxide. It does not conduct electricity and has a very high melting point (about 2050 °C), so it requires too much energy.

It is necessary to reduce the melting point of aluminum oxide to at least 1000 oC. This method was simultaneously found by the Frenchman P. Heroux and the American C. Hall. They discovered that alumina dissolves well in molten cryolite, a mineral with the composition AlF3.3NaF. This melt is subjected to electrolysis at a temperature of only about 950 °C in aluminum production. Reserves of cryolite in nature are insignificant, so synthetic cryolite was created, which significantly reduced the cost of aluminum production.

A molten mixture of Na3 [AlF6] cryolite and aluminum oxide is subjected to hydrolysis. A mixture containing about 10 weight percent Al2O3 melts at 960 °C and has electrical conductivity, density and viscosity that are most favorable for the process. To further improve these characteristics, AlF3, CaF2 and MgF2 additives are added to the mixture. Thanks to this, electrolysis is possible at 950 °C.

The electrolyser for aluminum smelting is an iron casing lined with refractory bricks on the inside. Its bottom (under), assembled from blocks of compressed coal, serves as a cathode. Anodes (one or more) are located on top: these are aluminum frames filled with coal briquettes. In modern plants, electrolysers are installed in series; each series consists of 150 or more electrolysers.

During electrolysis, aluminum is released at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. Aluminum, which has a higher density than the original melt, is collected at the bottom of the electrolyzer, from where it is periodically released. As the metal is released, new portions of aluminum oxide are added to the melt. The oxygen released during electrolysis interacts with the carbon of the anode, which burns out, forming CO and CO2.

The first aluminum smelter in Russia was built in 1932 in Volkhov.

ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Alloys that increase the strength and other properties of aluminum are obtained by introducing alloying additives into it, such as copper, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.

Duralumin (duralumin, duralumin, from the name of the German city where industrial production of the alloy began). Aluminum alloy (base) with copper (Cu: 2.2-5.2%), magnesium (Mg: 0.2-2.7%) manganese (Mn: 0.2-1%). Subject to hardening and aging, often clad with aluminum. It is a structural material for aviation and transport engineering.

Silumin - light casting alloys of aluminum (base) with silicon (Si: 4-13%), sometimes up to 23% and some other elements: Cu, Mn, Mg, Zn, Ti, Be). They produce parts of complex configurations, mainly in the automotive and aircraft industries.

Magnalia are alloys of aluminum (base) with magnesium (Mg: 1-13%) and other elements that have high corrosion resistance, good weldability, and high ductility. They produce shaped castings (casting magnalia), sheets, wire, rivets, etc. (deformable magnalia).

The main advantages of all aluminum alloys are their low density (2.5-2.8 g/cm3), high strength (per unit weight), satisfactory resistance to atmospheric corrosion, comparative cheapness and ease of production and processing.

Aluminum alloys are used in rocketry, aircraft, auto, shipbuilding and instrument making, in the production of tableware, sporting goods, furniture, advertising and other industries.

Aluminum alloys occupy second place in terms of the breadth of application after steel and cast iron.

Aluminum is one of the most common additives in alloys based on copper, magnesium, titanium, nickel, zinc, and iron.

Aluminum is also used for aluminizing (aluminizing) - saturating the surface of steel or cast iron products with aluminum in order to protect the base material from oxidation under strong heating, i.e. increasing heat resistance (up to 1100 °C) and resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

Source: https://dpva.ru/Guide/GuideMatherials/Metalls/Aluminium/AluminiumOwerview/

Interesting facts about aluminum

Aluminum is considered one of the most famous metals around the world. As an element, it ranks third in abundance in the bowels of the earth, behind oxygen and carbon.

In nature, its content is as much as eight percent - this is quite a lot, since gold in the ground currently contains only one percent. For a long time, humanity could not discover this useful element for itself, and the first ingot of aluminum was discovered only in 1985 in France. Since then it has gained worldwide fame and until the full discovery of its abundance in the earth's crust, it was considered a precious material.

Discovering the beneficial properties of aluminum

Initially, aluminum was mined in small quantities; people were not immediately able to identify the exact areas of the earth's crust where this element was located. The mined ingots were initially used to create precious jewelry that not everyone could afford. Medals with bas-reliefs of Napoleon are considered to be the first aluminum products. In addition to jewelry, art objects were also made from it.

Over time, this metal began to be discovered more often and it began to be actively used in mass industry. This material was convenient to use, but it began to be noted that it was difficult to use it in its natural form. It was not suitable for every manufacturing area, as it turned out to be not durable. This problem disappeared when the famous chemist Alfred Wilm tried to alloy it with some addition of other elements - copper and magnesium.

This was a success; the alloy turned out to be ideal in strength. Already in 1911, thanks to this, a huge part of the improved material was produced in the city of Düren. In honor of which it was given the name - duralumin. Eight years later, the first transportation of duralumin took place from the city. As a result, he conquered the whole world forever.

Aluminum in production

In modern times, it is difficult to determine the sphere of production that can do without this metal. Aluminum is still being actively studied today. Most scientists believe that this metal will show itself even more in the future with the advent of new technologies. Its main advantages are high electrical conductivity, light weight, and resistance to corrosion. It is technologically advanced and easy to use. Thanks to these qualities, he will successfully move progress forward.

Aluminum alloys are used in the production of large vehicles, mechanical engineering, household appliances and electrical production. This metal is widely used in the latest areas of technological development, for example, nuclear energy.

There is no way to do without aluminum in general civil engineering. It is used in the manufacture of building frames, stairs, windows and other necessary fixtures.

Based on all this, we can safely conclude that this element has great value, much more than others, even precious metals.

Interesting Facts

• About a hundred years ago, a piece of aluminum weighing a kilogram cost a thousand rubles by modern standards; at the moment, a piece of aluminum has depreciated in value.
• In 1899, scientists from England, as a gift to D.I. Mendeleev, made scales made from small particles of gold and a large amount of aluminum; by those standards it was a valuable gift.
• Currently, the production of this metal is in second place after the production of iron.
• Aluminum is part of the body of every person, exceeding a mass of 140 grams.
• Chemical compounds of this metal are found not only in the depths of our planet, they are also found on Mars and the Moon.
• Napoleon created an order for the production of aluminum cutlery. They were provided only at important ceremonial feasts, to the emperor himself and his honored guests. Other guests had the right to use only gold and silver utensils.
• In 1860, aluminum was in demand as a fashionable jewelry item. Every important person had to have such jewelry with him.

Source: https://interesnie-fakti.net/interesnye-fakty-ob-alyuminii/

Aluminum value

Aluminum is of great importance in nature and human life. What is the biological role of aluminum, you will learn from this article.

Aluminum is a light, soft, silvery-white metal characterized by high electrical and thermal conductivity. Its melting point is 660°C. The element was first obtained by Hans Oersted in 1825, but the modern method for producing aluminum was developed separately by the Frenchman Paul Héroult and Charles Hall.

Plasticity, lightness, and resistance to corrosion have allowed aluminum to gain popularity in jewelry. Previously, due to the fact that it was difficult to obtain, the price of the element was quite high. In the 19th century, it was as expensive as gold, so only rich people could afford such jewelry. With the discovery of the electrochemical method for producing aluminum, it began to be widely used in industry.  

In the global economy, this light metal is of great importance. It is used in the aerospace industry, for the production of high-speed train cars, cars, and sea vessels. Different types of aluminum camping products are used in construction. The element is also the main product for the manufacture of high-voltage power lines. In addition, almost half of the utensils we use for cooking are made from this metal.  

The importance of aluminum in human life

The importance of aluminum in the body also cannot be underestimated: it takes part in the processes of regeneration of connective and epithelial tissues, in the formation of phosphate complexes and peptides, and maintains bone strength. The metal affects the functionality of the parathyroid glands. The element is capable of both activating and inhibiting digestive enzymes. It is found in rice, peanuts, pistachios, potatoes, peas, honey mushrooms and chanterelles.  

The importance of aluminum for plants

Aluminum deficiency in plants or in soil has not yet been sufficiently studied. But an excess of metal in the soil provokes deformation of organs - white spots appear on the leaves and they curl, and crop yields drop significantly. If “acid rain” falls, then a spectrum of chromosomal and chromatid aberrations of genomes is formed in the roots.

Application of aluminum in medicine

Since ancient times, aluminum salts have been used in medicine to heal and treat skin diseases. Today it is used in dermatology and gastroenterology. The improved components have bactericidal properties and treat gastritis, heartburn and stomach ulcers.

We hope that from this article you learned how aluminum is useful.

Source: https://kratkoe.com/znachenie-alyuminiya/

No. 13 Aluminum

Around 1807, Davy, who was trying to carry out the electrolysis of alumina, gave the name to the metal supposed to contain it, Alumium. Aluminum was first obtained by Hans Oersted in 1825 by the action of potassium amalgam on aluminum chloride followed by distillation of mercury. In 1827, Wöhler isolated aluminum metal in a more efficient way - by heating anhydrous aluminum chloride with potassium metal.

Being in nature, receiving:

In terms of prevalence in nature, it ranks 1st among metals and 3rd among elements, second only to oxygen and silicon. aluminum in the earth's crust, according to various researchers, ranges from 7.45% to 8.14% of the mass of the earth's crust. In nature, aluminum is found only in compounds (minerals).

Corundum: Al2O3 - belongs to the class of simple oxides, and sometimes forms transparent precious crystals - sapphire, and, with the addition of chromium, ruby.
Accumulates in placers. Bauxite: Al2O3*nH2O - sedimentary aluminum ores. Contain a harmful impurity - SiO2. Bauxite serves as an important raw material for the production of aluminum, as well as paints and abrasives.

Kaolinite: Al2O3*2SiO2*2H2O is a mineral of the subclass of layered silicates, the main component of white, refractory, and porcelain clay.
The modern method for producing aluminum was developed independently by the American Charles Hall and the Frenchman Paul Héroux. It consists of dissolving aluminum oxide Al2O3 in molten cryolite Na3AlF3, followed by electrolysis using graphite electrodes.

This production method requires a lot of electricity, and therefore became popular only in the 20th century. To produce 1 ton of aluminum, 1.9 tons of alumina and 18 thousand kWh of electricity are required.

Physical properties:

The metal is silvery-white, lightweight, density 2.7 g/cm3, melting point 660°C, boiling point 2500°C. High ductility, rolled into thin sheets and even foil. Aluminum has high electrical and thermal conductivity and is highly reflective. Aluminum forms alloys with almost all metals.

Chemical properties:

Under normal conditions, aluminum is covered with a thin and durable oxide film and therefore does not react with classical oxidizing agents: with H2O (t°); O2, HNO3 (without heating). Thanks to this, aluminum is practically not subject to corrosion and is therefore widely in demand in modern industry.

However, when the oxide film is destroyed (for example, upon contact with solutions of ammonium salts NH4+, hot alkalis or as a result of amalgamation), aluminum acts as an active reducing metal.

Reacts easily with simple substances: oxygen, halogens: 2Al + 3Br2 = 2AlBr3 With other non-metals, aluminum reacts when heated:

2Al + 3S = Al2S3 2Al + N2 = 2AlN

Aluminum is only capable of dissolving hydrogen, but does not react with it. With complex substances: aluminum reacts with alkalis (to form tetrahydroxoaluminates):

2Al + 2NaOH + 6H2O = 2Na[Al(OH)4] + 3H2

Easily dissolves in dilute and concentrated sulfuric acids:

2Al + 3H2SO4(dil) = Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2 2Al + 6H2SO4(conc) = Al2(SO4)3 + 3SO2 + 6H2O

Aluminum reduces metals from their oxides (aluminothermy): 8Al + 3Fe3O4 = 4Al2O3 + 9Fe

The most important connections:

Aluminum oxide , Al2O3: a white, hard, refractory substance.
Crystalline Al2O3 is chemically passive, amorphous is more active. Reacts slowly with acids and alkalis in solution, exhibiting amphoteric properties: Al2O3 + 6HCl(conc.) = 2AlCl3 + 3H2O Al2O3 + 2NaOH(conc.) + 3H2O = 2Na[Al(OH)4]
(NaAlO2 is formed in the alkali melt).

Aluminum hydroxide , Al(OH)3: white amorphous (gel-like) or crystalline. Practically insoluble in water. When heated, it decomposes step by step. It exhibits amphoteric, equally pronounced acidic and basic properties. When fused with NaOH, NaAlO2 is formed.

To obtain the Al(OH)3 precipitate, alkali is usually not used (due to the ease of transition of the precipitate into solution), but they act on aluminum salts with an ammonia solution - at room temperature Al(OH)3
Aluminum salts .

Aluminum salts and strong acids are highly soluble in water and undergo significant cation hydrolysis, creating a strongly acidic environment in which metals such as magnesium and zinc dissolve: Al3+ + H2O = AlOH2+ + H+ AlF3 fluoride
and AlPO4 orthophosphate are insoluble in water, and salts of very weak acids, for example H2CO3, are not formed at all by precipitation from an aqueous solution.

Double aluminum salts are known - alum of the composition MAl(SO4)2*12H2O (M=Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, TI+, NH4+), the most common of them is potassium alum KAl(SO4)2*12H2O.
The dissolution of amphoteric hydroxides in alkaline solutions is considered as a process of formation of hydroxo salts (hydroxo complexes).

The existence of hydroxocomplexes [Al(OH)4(H2O)2] -, [Al(OH)6]3-, [Al(OH)5(H2O)]2-;
of these, the first is the most durable. The coordination number of aluminum in these complexes is 6, i.e. aluminum is six-coordinated. Binary aluminum compounds Compounds with predominantly covalent bonds, for example Al2S3 sulfide and Al4C3 carbide, are completely decomposed by water:
Al2S3 + 6H2O = 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2S Al4C3 + 12H2O = 4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4

Application:

Widely used as a construction material. The main advantages of aluminum in this quality are lightness, malleability for stamping, corrosion resistance, and high thermal conductivity. Aluminum is an important component of many alloys (copper - aluminum bronze, magnesium, etc.) It is used in electrical engineering for the manufacture of wires and their shielding.

Aluminum is widely used in thermal equipment and cryogenic technology. Its high reflectivity, combined with low cost and ease of deposition, makes aluminum an ideal material for the manufacture of mirrors. Aluminum and its compounds are used in rocket technology as rocket fuel.

In the production of building materials as a gas-forming agent.

Allayarov Damir
HF Tyumen State University, 561 group.

Source: http://www.kontren.narod.ru/x_el/info13.htm

Aluminum - properties and alloys of aluminum

Aluminum entered human life much later than copper, but despite its small size, it is literally gradually displacing copper products from many areas of industry. While inferior to copper in properties, aluminum takes advantage of its low cost.

Properties of aluminum

Aluminum is familiar to everyone since childhood as a lightweight, flexible silver-white metal. It is the low specific gravity of the metal - 2.7 g/cm3 that has become one of its most important properties for humans. Additional interest in aluminum is due to the following factors:

• high levels of electrical and thermal conductivity;

The wide operational limits of the metal, its relatively low cost, and the ability to undergo mechanical deformation have firmly introduced aluminum into our everyday life. This can be seen as a kind of tribute to justice, since aluminum is the most common substance in the earth’s crust, following oxygen and silicon, but the first among metals.

The high chemical activity of the substance makes it available in nature exclusively as a constituent element of minerals, in particular sapphire and ruby. The same property of aluminum ensures the formation of a stable oxide film on the metal surface, protecting it from corrosion.

The embodiment of the high chemical activity of aluminum in alloys

Most structural materials that are commonly considered aluminum are made not of pure metal, but of its deformable alloys. The second class of Al-based alloys consists of casting alloys, used mostly in mechanical engineering.

According to the nature of mechanical and heat treatment, aluminum alloys are classified as cold-worked, annealed, hardened and aged (artificially or naturally). Based on the main alloying element, the following categories are distinguished:

• Duralumin, Aluminum-copper alloy, characterized by strength at the level of low-carbon steel. Disadvantage: the material requires a protective coating due to its own low corrosion resistance. Additional alloying additives used include: magnesium to increase fluidity; iron - heat resistance, as well as silicon;

Duralumin

• Aluminum-magnesium. They are distinguished by a high level of corrosion resistance, weldability and vibration resistance. To increase strength characteristics, they are additionally alloyed with manganese, silicon or titanium. Widely used for shaped casting;

Aluminum-magnesium alloy castings

• Silumin. Aluminum-silicon alloy is characterized by the best casting properties, therefore it is purposefully used for casting housings of various equipment and mechanisms;

Ball valve made of silumin

• Aluminum-manganese. Such alloys are characterized by ductility, high corrosion resistance, and good weldability;

• Avial. Triple alloy of aluminum with magnesium and silicon. Differs in the highest plasticity. Used in the aviation industry. Recently, with the addition of aircraft, mobile phone cases have begun to be manufactured.

Aircraft body made of aviation aluminum (aircraft)

The second option for alloys with aluminum are materials where the metal is used as an additive. A striking example of the household use of such aluminum alloys is kitchenware: pots, pans, bowls, etc.; Until recently, it was widespread among the population.

Aluminum cycle in nature

There are two types of metal purity: technical (up to 99.8%) and high (from 99.95%). Only technical aluminum is produced directly, which is subjected to additional purification to obtain high-purity metal. The cycle of aluminum in nature can be described as follows:

Bauxite in the photo

• industrial electrolysis;

• formation (casting) of primary metal;

• purification or preparation of alloys;

• recycling of aluminum scrap.

Technical aluminum is used in rolled metal, making pipes, sheet forms, wire and in the production of cable and wire products. High-purity metal is used for the production of capacitor plates and chemical equipment.

Technical aluminum tape for transformer

Due to its high electrical conductivity, aluminum is replacing copper as a material for home electrical wiring. The high thermal conductivity of the metal, along with its low specific gravity, make it indispensable in the manufacture of home heating radiators.

It is thanks to aluminum structures that tons of cast iron batteries brought additional income to scrap metal collectors. The high ductility of aluminum is a powerful argument in the production of foil. Modern technologies make it possible to produce it up to 4 microns thick.

Having served its service life, aluminum scrap is returned to collection points, closing the cycle of the metal cycle in nature.

Source: http://xlom.ru/vidy-metalloloma/alyuminij-svojstva-i-splavy-alyuminiya/

Aluminum is the most common metal in the earth's crust:

Metals are a group of simple substances that have characteristic metallic properties. Some of them are valued higher than gold for their amazing characteristics, which allow them to be used in a variety of fields. Many metals are contained in the earth's crust in small quantities. But today we will look at what is the most common metal in the earth’s crust.

What do we know about aluminum?

Yes, aluminum is the most common metal. It was discovered in 1825 by the Danish scientist Oersted. However, as early as 500 BC, people used so-called aluminum alum. They were used as a mordant for dyeing fabrics and tanning leather.

Aluminum, similar in appearance to silver, was initially very valuable. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to obtain in its pure form. And it was not known that this is the most common metal in the earth’s crust. In the 19th century, between 1855 and 1890, only 200 tons of pure metal were obtained.

However, today geologists claim that 8% of the Earth's crust consists of aluminum. It is second only to oxygen and silicon in terms of its content in the earth’s crust. It is not found in free form in nature.

Aluminum was widely used in the countries of the USSR thanks to the developments of scientists. The discovered method for producing aluminum provided unlimited opportunities for the development of the aluminum industry. On its basis, they actively made tableware, which each of us saw in our grandmothers’ kitchens. The first satellite of the USSR was also made of aluminum alloy. It is also used in the electrical industry (cables, sockets, capacitors).

Basic properties of aluminum

The most common metal in the earth's crust has a number of properties that allow it to be actively used in metal structures. It is light, soft and easy to stamp.

Aluminum has high corrosion resistance. Upon contact with air, it becomes covered with a film that prevents its oxidation. It is non-toxic (if it does not enter the body in large quantities), and has high electrical and thermal conductivity. It is he who ensures the transmission of electricity on Earth.

However, the metal is not durable. Therefore, in the manufacture of metal structures, an alloy of aluminum with other metals - copper, magnesium - is often used. Such alloys are called duralumin.

The electrical conductivity of the metal can be compared to copper, but it is cheaper, so it has found wider use. One of the few disadvantages of aluminum is that it is difficult to solder due to its strong oxide film. By the way, it is highly flammable and if not for this oxide film, it would burn in air.

Aluminum is a precious metal

Interestingly, aluminum was highly valued in the 19th century. For a kilogram of metal they asked for about 3,000 francs. Therefore, jewelers actively made jewelry based on it. After all, the metal is easy to process, has a beautiful silver tint and allows you to give the product any shape.

However, after a few years it began to fall in price and soon went out of fashion. Many aluminum jewelry did not survive the depreciation of the metal. Today they are very rare.

More recently, aluminum became the main theme of an exhibition organized in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) at the Carnegie Museum. Interest in him appears again. The most common non-ferrous metal in the earth's crust today is used in the form of metal foam. This is the latest development, on the basis of which even ship hulls can be manufactured.

Harm of aluminum

Back in 1960, scientists discovered that high levels of aluminum were present in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Recent studies have confirmed that metal causes accelerated aging of brain cells and causes degenerative neurological diseases. The low digestibility of aluminum gives a false impression of its safety for the body.

But in fact, long-term use of small doses of it eventually causes neurons in the brain and spinal cord to shut down.

Gold is the most commonly found precious metal

Gold is the most common noble metal in the earth's crust. Once upon a time, people knew only 2 precious metals - gold and silver. However, later the list expanded. Today the noble metals are the platinum group of metals. This group, in addition to platinum, also includes its elements - rhodium, osmium, ruthenium and iridium. By the way, iridium is the rarest metal in this group. Technetium is also recognized as noble, but due to radioactivity it was not included in the list of precious metals.

Gold, like other noble metals, has a number of unique properties. It shines in the open air, it is not harmed by prolonged exposure to water, as well as exposure to alkalis and acids, and high temperatures.

Gold is easy to process and has a high density. The metal is found in the form of nuggets, sand and in combination with other elements. However, gold is inferior to many metals in strength and stability.

Today it is far from the most expensive precious metal. Its price is $45 per 1 gram.

Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/370047/alyuminiy---samyiy-rasprostranennyiy-metall-v-zemnoy-kore

Natural turquoise: differences between real and pressed, how to check authenticity, mineral, how to distinguish from fake and other stones

Turquoise is a beautiful mineral found in jewelry. Natural turquoise of standard quality is rarely found in nature, and therefore has a high cost. Today, a variety of technologies are used for refining extracted minerals.

Often, instead of natural turquoise, the buyer is offered a fake. These can be either cheaper stones, painted with special compounds, or pressed turquoise. Knowledge about the properties and external characteristics of a genuine gem will help you distinguish a fake from a real gem.

Characteristics of the stone

Turquoise stone is a mineral that has a sky blue, green-blue or gray-green hue. The color base of the stone may also have yellowish inclusions. From the point of view of chemical composition, it is aqueous copper phosphate with an admixture of aluminum. In nature, it occurs in the form of cryptocrystalline aggregates, veins, crusts and sinter formations. The formation of deposits is facilitated by geothermal processes occurring at temperatures up to 180 degrees.

The color of the mineral depends on the degree of maturity. Thus, a young gem has a pale blue tint. Mature turquoise has a rich color. If the stone is too old, it is characterized by brown tints. From the point of view of jewelry, an old mineral is considered of little value.

The hardness of real turquoise is 5-6 on the Mohs scale. The mineral is completely opaque. Has an oily sheen. Natural gems deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures.

Alternative names:

• arizonite;
• agaphyte;
• Turkiz;
• Arabic, Sinai, heavenly stone.

Ways to distinguish pressed types of gems

Stones of standard quality, requiring only cutting and polishing, are extremely rare in nature. The cost of jewelry with such stones is high. Fortified turquoise is of lower quality than natural turquoise. This is a mineral that is subjected to mechanical manipulation using strengthening compounds. These include:

• paraffin;
• fat;
• evaporated quartz and so on.

Refined turquoise has a similar value. This is a stone whose appearance has been enhanced by dyes. As a result of this treatment, the mineral looks unnatural - it is too bright and shiny.

The most popular substitute for natural turquoise is pressed turquoise. It is obtained by pressing high-quality mineral crumbs remaining after cutting and polishing. Many people call pressed turquoise artificial, but this is not true. This stone is of natural origin. However, it is important to know ways to help distinguish the mineral obtained from turquoise chips:

• price: the cost of pressed stone is significantly lower than the price of a mineral of completely natural origin;
• shade and shine: pressed semi-colored and shiny;
• pattern: the pressed stone has a characteristic web-like pattern.

Important! If you examine low-quality pressed turquoise through a microscope glass, you can detect foreign inclusions in the form of sand and specks. To be completely sure of the origin of turquoise, it is better to have the stone examined by an experienced gemologist.

Types of non-original gem

It is difficult for the average person to find the differences between a real gem and a fake, since the latter have the same external characteristics.

Be sure to watch: How and where diamonds are mined

Glass samples and cheap fakes

Glass and plastic are cheap materials that, after proper processing, look like turquoise stones. A glass or plastic fake has an unnaturally bright color and a regular pattern, uncharacteristic of natural specimens. The stone can be easily scratched by the point of a needle because it has a low hardness rating. Also, fakes quickly heat up from the heat of human hands.

Similar minerals

In nature there are gems that visually resemble turquoise. They have a lower cost.  

Variscite

This is a rare ornamental stone, which is also called California turquoise. Has a similar color scheme. Variscite has pronounced transparency and a large number of green veins. The hardness of this stone is lower.

Lapis lazuli

The ornamental stone has a deep blue base, complemented by golden inclusions. In order to make a mineral an exact copy of turquoise, craftsmen use various coloring compounds. Lapis lazuli has a fine-grained structure. A detailed examination dedicated to a thorough study of the chemical composition of the mineral will help to distinguish one stone from another. Turkenite is also used as a substitute for natural gems.

Howlite, chalcedony and quartz

Howlite painted with turquoise paint resembles a precious mineral. However, the cheap analogue is more plastic to the touch. Dyed howlite, chalcedony and quartz look unnaturally bright and shiny when compared to natural turquoise. Quartz stones are distinguished by the fact that they are translucent around the edges. Chalcedony is heavier than the original mineral.

Do you like turquoise stone?

Ondolite

Ondolite is the fossilized remains (teeth, tusks, claws) of animals. Stones of organic origin are easy to paint. Unlike real turquoise, they quickly dissolve in hydrochloric acid.

Methods of counterfeiting

Craftsmen have learned to make high-quality fakes of the expensive turquoise stone. Imitations are conventionally divided into 2 categories: with natural turquoise and with synthetic components in the composition.

Using natural turquoise

There are methods for creating stone imitations based on the use of natural raw materials.

Material	How do you get it?
Pressed stone	The most common method of imitation. The composition of the mixture for pressing includes crumbs obtained during the process of grinding and polishing high-quality mineral. Often the formula of the mass includes admixtures of other minerals, the cost of which is lower than the price of genuine turquoise. The powder obtained from minerals is glued together with a special glue, and then pressed into briquettes. Then beads and inserts for jewelry are cut from the briquettes. The highest quality and most valuable pressed turquoise is considered to be reticulate or gossamer. It is characterized by the presence of a beautiful ornament. The stone restored from powder can be found in a variety of jewelry: silver and gold pendants, earrings, bracelets, brooches, rings.
Viennese	A pressed mixture that consists of malachite, as well as additional components in the form of phosphoric acid and aluminum hydroxide. All substances are thoroughly crushed, which allows them to be compressed. Vienna turquoise is destroyed under the influence of high temperatures - the stone melts and then cracks. The material is used in the production of costume jewelry, souvenirs, and decorative items.
Stabilized	The master fills the pores of the gem, which are formed as a result of natural processes, with special compounds. The substances used to fill defects consist of wax or resins.
Painted old minerals	Turquoise has an unstable chemical composition, so it changes appearance. During the aging process, the color acquires yellow-green inclusions, the area of ​​which gradually increases. The cost of such gems is decreasing, but coloring old samples with special compounds makes it possible to restore the attractiveness of the color.

Synthetic

Synthetic analogues of turquoise do not contain natural minerals. The fakes consist of:

• glass;
• ceramics;
• plastics;
• plastic.

Be sure to check out: Where and how emeralds are mined Artificial gems are used in the production of inexpensive jewelry and souvenirs. But if the product information mentions the word “turquoise,” then this is a deception on the part of the seller. It is also considered fraud to sell artificial gems at the price of genuine gems.

How to spot a fake

If you are thinking about buying products made from azure stone, be careful not to fall for the tricks of scammers and not waste money on a fake. There are tricks that will help you avoid mistakes when buying jewelry.

How to distinguish a real mineral from cheap copies:

1. A crude fake can be easily distinguished from a real copy, since its surface is covered with low-quality dye. To perform the test, take a cloth and apply alcohol to it. Use a napkin to thoroughly wipe the pebble. If there are traces of paint on it, this means that this is a low-quality fake.
2. Heat a regular sewing needle. Touch its tip to the surface of the stone. If an uncharacteristic chemical odor appears, this indicates that the copy is made of polymers. If the product contains sealing mixtures, then a sticky drop will appear in place of the puncture.
3. Examine the stone under a magnifying glass. Cracks and bubbles are signs of synthetic counterfeits.
4. Turquoise tends to become electrified when rubbed against woolen fabric. After mechanical action, dust particles and hairs will adhere to the sample.
5. Avoid buying jewelry with a large insert, since massive specimens of the stone are not found in nature. Also, large inserts are not made from compressed mass.
6. A natural gem has a subtle waxy sheen, while a fake one attracts attention with a pronounced glossy sheen.
7. Try scratching the sample with a needle or sharp knife. A thin scratch will remain on the original specimen, since the gem has an average hardness. If the stone cannot be damaged, this indicates that it is a copy made of quartz or chalcedony.

Important! At home, it will not be possible to distinguish pressed turquoise from the one that was mined in nature. To avoid spending money on a copy, pay attention to the reputation of the jewelry store where you purchase jewelry.

Ask the seller to present a document proving the authenticity of the gem. Beware of purchasing products with stones from unauthorized retail outlets. Only an expert gemologist can give an accurate assessment of the origin of a mineral.

Main conclusions

1. Turquoise is a natural stone consisting of hydrous copper phosphate with aluminum impurities in its composition. Aesthetically attractive specimens have a high price.
2. Due to the fact that high-quality gems are rare in nature, there are technologies for refining turquoise, as well as restoring it from stone chips.
3. Stabilization, pressing, dyeing are popular methods of refining. This kind of turquoise cannot be called synthetic, since it is of natural origin.
4. Imitations of the mineral are made from cheaper stones, which include lapis lazuli, chalcedony, and quartz. The substitutes are coated with a special paint that imitates the natural color of turquoise.
5. Counterfeits are made from materials such as glass, plastic, enamel and ceramics. Inserts made from artificial raw materials are used in the production of jewelry. They may also be sold at the price of genuine minerals, which is considered fraudulent.
6. Some methods used at home will help identify low-quality fakes.

   However, only gemological examination will give a reliable result, especially if pressed turquoise is considered.

Source: https://kamnistar.com/interesnoe/naturalnaya-biryuza/

Aluminum – where is it found in nature?

Today you can often hear the statement that aluminum cookware is harmful to health. Is it really?

There is a legend that the famous Mendeleev, while studying the element aluminum, decided to make a cutlery out of it - a spoon. The invention was presented to the royal person. Currently, this spoon is stored in one of the museums in St. Petersburg. Later, people from high society began to use aluminum cutlery, and silver ones were intended for courtiers.

Producing aluminum in a laboratory is not a cheap pleasure, but in nature it can be found quite often in ores. How safe is aluminum cookware? The harm it can cause to the body has not been fully proven.

Aluminum impurities are found in bauxite (multi-colored clay). When iron elements are present, the clay takes on a red tint. It is also found in white color, called kaolin. This clay is used for the production of earthenware and porcelain vessels. Ancient people used dishes made from this material in everyday life for thousands of years. It is known that clay also contains aluminum, but no health problems have been reported as a result of this.

What is the real danger?

Why are the aluminum cookware we use today harmful? Not so long ago you could find dishes made of this metal in every home. As a raw material, aluminum is inexpensive, but at the same time it is flexible and lightweight. Thanks to these properties, it is an excellent conductor of thermal energy, which makes it possible to heat food very quickly.

Cereals, for example, do not “stick” to the bottom, milk does not burn, but you cannot leave cooked food in such a container for storage. An aluminum pan is also not intended for storing foods containing various acids. Otherwise, an oxidation reaction will certainly occur.

If food has burnt to the bottom while cooking, under no circumstances should you peel it off for consumption.

It is known that aluminum impurities can enter the human body in critically small quantities.

We cannot ignore the fact that aluminum impurities gradually accumulate in the human body. In the 70s of the 20th century, scientists from Canada conducted research and came to the conclusion that people suffering from Alzheimer's disease have increased levels of element 13 in their brain cells. Is it really the aluminum cookware's fault? It was never possible to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the disease and the use of this utensil.

Recommendations for using aluminum cookware

The tips are simple and easy to remember.

Do not clean the surface using a metal brush. With this cleaning method, there is a possibility of damaging the oxide film intended to protect the surface. This coating has the ability to partially regenerate. To do this, fill the entire container with water and leave for ten minutes. Then drain the water and wipe the surface dry. Aluminum cookware tends to darken if you use chemicals when washing it.

It is forbidden to store prepared food in aluminum containers; it is better to use clay, ceramic or enameled ones.

Experts advise using aluminum cookware in everyday life exclusively for cooking cereals, pasta, baking and boiling.

Are aluminum cookware harmful to the body?

Based on information provided by the World Health Organization in 1998, natural aluminum found in food and water does not pose a threat to human health and is not capable of causing the growth of cancer cells and the development of oncology.

Today, industrial aluminum poses the greatest threat, since the environment suffers mercilessly during its production. But why is it often said today that aluminum cookware is also unsafe? The harm it can cause is due to its improper use.

Items made of aluminum change color and darken if exposed to chemicals. The material itself is quite durable, but lightweight. This means that you should be careful and careful when working with it.

Various household utensils made of aluminum often get dirty and require cleaning. Therefore, it is necessary to know and be able to properly remove scale and traces of use. With normal care, aluminum cookware can last quite a long time.

In this case, its harm will be minimized.

Guide to cleaning and using aluminum items

Most housewives prefer aluminum cookware. Why? Everything is extremely simple: aluminum is an excellent heat conductor, which means that food in such dishes heats up instantly and does not burn. Aluminum vessels practically do not wear out and are easy to use.

Probably everyone has noticed more than once how brightly unused aluminum cookware shines in the store? This advantage often attracts housewives, and they immediately strive to acquire this beauty.

It’s a pity that after a while the shine fades and scale forms. Aluminum cookware is famous for this not in a positive way. It can only cause harm if it is not properly cared for.

To restore the former shine to their favorite pan, cooks resort to using household chemicals, but alas, the results do not live up to expectations.

However, there are a lot of quite easy and accessible ways for everyone to clean aluminum cookware and regain its former newness. Before you start cleaning your aluminum vessels, here are some guidelines you should read:

Do not wash hot dishes under any circumstances. An aluminum pan that has not cooled down will lose its shape when it comes into contact with water.

If food particles stick to the bottom of the dishes, you just need to pour medium-temperature water into the container and add a drop of detergent. Leave for an hour, allowing the burnt food to fall away from the bottom.

Hand washing aluminum is always a priority, as the water temperature in the dishwasher is not always suitable, which can lead to warping.

You should not get carried away with cleaning kitchen utensils using products containing alkali and acid. This method will certainly manifest itself in the form of dark spots on the walls and eliminate shine.

The walls of an aluminum container often become “painted” because a metal brush is used when washing. This method of cleaning should be completely avoided, as it will make the dishes look worse. To clean, for example, an aluminum frying pan, it is best to purchase household chemicals intended for this purpose or use the folk advice of our grandmothers.

Aluminum cookware. Care using folk remedies

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most popular methods by which dishes will be cleaned of grease, dirt, plaque and scale.

• Dark marks often appear on the bottom of the pan. You can get rid of them by pouring kefir, brine or sour milk.

Any of these three products should be poured into the bottom and rinsed after 24 hours.

• Traces of soot will disappear after you resort to the help of sour apples. To do this, rub the inner surface with a small piece of fruit.

The acid contained in the pulp will clean the dishes. Lemon juice can be used for a similar purpose.

• Perhaps the only disadvantage of aluminum is its vulnerability to oxidation. To get rid of traces of the oxidative process, it is recommended to use this method: dilute salt with water in a one-to-one ratio. Apply the resulting mixture to the areas where the reaction occurred and wipe with a rag. When preparing the mixture, you need to remember that the consistency of the homemade remedy should be approximately like thick sour cream. This makes it easy to clean dark marks inside the aluminum thermos.

A mixture of glue and baking soda will help get rid of carbon deposits.

Don’t be upset that the pan has lost its appearance over time, and it’s impossible to get rid of the old carbon deposits. For this you need:

• large bowl;
• baking soda – 100 grams;
• hot water – 10 l;
• office glue – 100 grams.

So that not a trace remains of the soot, you need to pour water into a bowl and dissolve all the ingredients in it. Dip the vessel into the resulting solution and leave for three hours. Then rinse and wipe dry with a cloth.

Vinegar 9% against plaque and stains

Dark marks from the surface of aluminum are removed using table or apple cider vinegar. It is applied to a dry cloth, which is used to wipe the desired area on the surface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoicGR-JWQA

Using any vinegar or food acid, you can get rid of traces of scale as follows:

200 g of vinegar are diluted in a liter of water, and this solution is poured into the container that you want to clean. Next, you should boil the liquid over the fire. After cooling, you can start cleaning.

Soap mixture to clean anodized aluminum

Many people store things made of anodized aluminum in their everyday life, for example, moldings. These products have a yellowish tint. This requires qualified care.

It is possible to wash products made from this type of aluminum using a special soap composition, which is prepared by diluting the powder in water. This will remove dirt, but it will not make the metal shine. To achieve shine, take 15 grams of borax and mix with 5 grams of ammonia. The resulting composition is applied to the surface. In this case, it is worth working with gloves. After treating the item, be sure to rinse off the composition with water.

Baking soda will help get rid of scale

To clean dishes from scale, housewives resort to the old method, doing it with baking soda. To obtain a slurry, the required amount of water is diluted with soda to the required consistency. The resulting composition is applied to areas with scale, and then washed off with water with the addition of ammonia. This is a very simple and effective way to achieve cleanliness and shine for your dishes.

Proper care of such utensils is the key to their durability and safety. And the harm of aluminum cookware is a myth, not yet confirmed by anything.

Source: https://HochyVseZnat.ru/aluminii-gde-vstrechaetsia-v-prirode.html