Aluminium (Al): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Aluminium is element 13 on the periodic table, a post-transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DAluminium quick facts
| Atomic number | 13 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Al |
| Atomic mass | 26.982 |
| Category | Post-Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 13, period 3 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s² 3p¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 3 |
| Discovered | 1827, Wöhler |
What is aluminium used for?
- Aircraft & aerospace structures
- Beverage cans & food packaging
- Electrical power cables
Interesting facts about aluminium
- Aluminium is the most abundant metal in Earth's crust (8%)
- In the 1850s aluminium rivalled gold in price. In 1884 it was still rare enough to cap the Washington Monument
- Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to run a TV for around 3 hours
Aluminium was discovered in 1827 by Wöhler in Germany.
Where aluminium sits on the periodic table
Aluminium is in group 13, period 3. Tap any element to open its page.
Other post-transition metals
Aluminium questions
What is the atomic number of aluminium?
Aluminium has atomic number 13, so every aluminium atom has 13 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Al and its atomic mass is 26.982.
Is aluminium a metal?
Aluminium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a post-transition metal, found in group 13, period 3.
What is the electron configuration of aluminium?
The electron configuration of aluminium is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹. Its electrons sit in 3 shells: 2, 8, 3.
What is aluminium used for?
Aluminium is used for aircraft & aerospace structures, beverage cans & food packaging and electrical power cables.
Who discovered aluminium?
Aluminium was discovered in 1827 by Wöhler in Germany.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.