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Characteristics
Aluminum oxide is among the many ores of aluminum that occur naturally. Although most commonly a dull grey and used for commercial aluminum production, aluminum oxide can be found in many colors. Rubies and sapphires are aluminum oxide with molecular impurities. Anodized aluminum, on the other hand, is commercial-grade aluminum with a hard coating that gives the relatively flexible metal a strong outer shell and increases resistance to corrosion.
Chemical Composition
Aluminum oxide describes the molecular structure Al2O3. It consists of two aluminum atoms, which are bonded to three oxygen atoms. It is inert in typical atmospheric gasses, making it ideal for everyday use. It also has what is known as a lattice structure, which gives the metal impressive strength. Anodized aluminum is elemental aluminum with a layer of oxidation coating the surface. Anodization also is often Al2O3, but can consist of other oxidizing elements, such as chlorine.
Uses
Aluminum oxide is by far the most common flavor of industrial and commercial aluminum. It can be found in everything from soda cans to scaffolding. The reason for its popularity is its high strength-to-weight ratio and its relative resistance to corrosion. Anodized aluminum generally costs more to produce but has superior strength and corrosion resistance. It has found its way into everything from cell phones and spacecraft to bathroom faucets.
Production
Aluminum is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust, but extraction is a costly process. Most aluminum occurs within a rust-colored mineral called bauxite. It is stripped from the naturally occurring rock through exposure to heat and chemical baths. Aluminum oxide is then produced through an electrochemical process called the Hall-Heroult process, in which alumina is exposed to extremely high amperage. Anodized aluminum is aluminum that is plated through a similar process in which layers of an oxidizing element are grown over the surface of either alumina or aluminum oxide.