Where does aluminum come from (not just the foil)?
Aluminum originates as an oxide called alumina. Then mineral Bauxite is the main source of Aluminum. Aluminum is very reactive with oxygen so it does not naturally occur in its metal form. Aluminum oxide must be processed to make Aluminum metal. Aluminum processing took a giant leap forward after electricity became more available in the early 1900’s. Alumina and electricity are combined in an electric cell with a molten electrolyte called cryolite. Direct current electricity is passed from a consumable carbon anode into the cryolite, splitting the aluminum oxide into molten aluminum metal and carbon dioxide. The molten aluminum collects at the bottom of the cell and is periodically “tapped” into a crucible and cast into ingots.
