Aluminum is found as aluminum oxide in the ore called bauxite. Aluminum is extremely valuable in industry. It is light, strong, and does not tarnish in air. It is a good conductor and is used in wiring, airplane parts, household items. The Carbon family includes the elements carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead.
Carbon can combine with other elements in a great variety of ways.
Carbon is called the basis for life because all living things contain organic compounds. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust. Silicon is used in glass and incement. It is also used in solar cells. Solar cells convert the energy of sunlight into electric energy.