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

Because it was only discovered in the 1820’s.

And when it was discovered, it was extremely expensive to make (in fact, kings would put out aluminium cutlery to impress peers, while everyone else got cheap gold forks!)

Over time, the process was refined and aluminium became affordable so is now used in many applications.