Eli5 why is aluminium not used as a material until relatively recently whilst others metals like gold, iron, bronze, tin are found throughout human history?

Question

Eli5 why is aluminium not used as a material until relatively recently whilst others metals like gold, iron, bronze, tin are found throughout human history?

In: 7474

Answer 1

From a slightly different perspective, (as others noted) aluminum oxidizes extremely easily. On top of that, aluminum oxide is very chemically *stable*, meaning it takes a lot of work to get it back to pure aluminum form.

Think of it like you’re dying a piece of cloth. It’s super easy to just soak the cloth in liquid and dye. Now try to remove the dye. Much more difficult!