Aluminium origins and history

Aluminium is the third most abundant element on earth after oxygen and silicon. An estimated 8% of the earth's crust consists of aluminum. The highest concentrations of aluminum can be found in Bauxite (about 45 to 60%). Bauxite was first discovered in Les Baux, a place in southern France, hence the name.
In 1761 the Frenchman Mr. de Morveau discovers an up to then unknown material, which he calls "alumina", from the Latin word alumen that means 'light'.
In 1787, the chemist Lavoisier found that alumina is an oxide of an unheard-of / unidentified metal .
In 1821, bauxite is discovered in Les Baux.
In 1825 the chemist Oersted isolates the metal for the first time in a more or less pure state, by using a complex distillation method.
In the following years Wöhler (1827) and Deville (1854) are looking for a cheaper way to produce aluminum.
In 1855, a by Deville produced aluminum rod can be seen besides a silver rod at the World Exhibition in Paris. The response to the new metal is inspiring.

In 1865 the writer Jules Verne predicted that space travel would one day be possible thanks to aluminum.
In 1886 Charles Martin Hall and Paul Héroult develop a method for extraction of alumina to aluminum by electrolysis.
In 1898, the Bayer process is developed which makes large-scale production of alumina powder from bauxite possible.

On the threshold of the 20th century aluminum has acquired the status of basic material for the production of all kinds of new, modern products.
(Source: EOS)

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