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

Simply, we just found out how to cheaply make aluminium recently. During Napoleon III’banquest, aluminium cutlery was reserved for the most important/special guests, normal guests used gold ones.