The most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust is aluminum. Comprising approximately 8.1% of the Earth's crust by weight, aluminum is the third most abundant element overall, following oxygen and silicon. It is primarily found in various minerals, including bauxite, which is the principal ore for aluminum extraction. Known for its lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance, aluminum has a wide array of applications, from construction and transportation to packaging and consumer goods. Despite its prevalence, aluminum does not occur in a free state in nature but is extracted through energy-intensive processes, such as electrolysis.