On Friday the 13th, let's celebrate the 13th element on the periodic table - Aluminum!
- In the mid 1800s, aluminum was considered a precious metal. Napoleon III, the first president of the French Republic, served only his most honored dinner guests using aluminum plates and cutlery. The rest of his guests were served on gold and silver, which were considered less valuable than aluminum at the time.
- Aluminum is the 3rd most abundant metal on earth. About 8 percent of the earth's crust is made up of aluminum.
- The Empire State Building, constructed in 1930-1932, was the first building to make major use of aluminum components and fabricated structures, including interior structures and the famous spire.
- Speaking of the Empire State, in 1955, a 150-pound aluminum New Year's Eve Ball replaced the previous 400 pound iron ball, and aluminum framing is still used in the frame of the ball today.
- Aluminum is integral to other holidays too - Aluminum is used to produce silver and white flames and sparks and is a common component of sparklers.
- Aluminum is one of the most "green" metals available. Recycling aluminum takes only 5 percent of the energy needed to extract new aluminum from ore.
- A roof made of aluminum can reflect up to 95 percent of the solar energy it takes in, which makes a building much more energy efficient.
- Aluminum is infinitely recyclable. Nearly 75 percent of all aluminum produced is still in use today.
- After being recycled, a beverage can return to grocery store shelves as a part of a new can in as little as two months!
- Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to keep a 100-watt light bulb burning for four hours!
- Aluminum is strong, but lightweight, weighing only 1/3 of the amount of steel.
- Aluminum doesn't rust, making it an attractive choice for outdoor applications..
- Aluminum is often referred to as a “miracle metal” and for good reason. Its long list of inherent properties —lightweight, corrosion resistant, easily formed, highly conductive, highly reflective, non-toxic, durable and recyclable, — gives manufacturers and designers from many industries a wide range of options for product innovation and process improvements.