Aluminium is the most common metallic element on earth. It is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, and constitutes 7.4% by mass. Evolution of life and human civilisation has developed in an aluminium rich environment and it is now the most widely used non-ferrous metal. Aluminium never occurs in its metallic form in nature but in various forms in most rocks and soils. It is also present in all clays.

The naturally occurring forms of aluminium are usually stable and do not interact with the biological processes of living organisms. Under acidic conditions, aluminium may be released from rocks and soils in a soluble form which is more available for uptake by plants and animals. However, uptake of this soluble form is limited by the presence of natural agents such as silicates and flourides.