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submitted 3 weeks ago by MataVatnik@lemmy.world to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[-] PM_Your_Nudes_Please@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago

Similarly, the process for purifying aluminum is still the same as it was when it was first invented. Prior to the discovery of the Hall-Héroult processes in the mid 1800’s, (two men discovered the same process at the same time in different parts of the world,) pure aluminum was extremely rare. It used to be considered a fine metal, more expensive than silver or gold; Napoleon famously had aluminum silverware that he would use (instead of real silver) when he wanted to impress guests.

[-] Glitterbomb@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

Heck yeah, the Washington monument in DC is capped with aluminum like how the egyptian pyramids used to be capped with gold, because aluminum used to be a precious metal. (Sure, its a nice lightning rod too) Now it's so common you can find it in the trash on the side of the road