What is the relationship between Aluminum and Magnesium in nature?

Aluminum and magnesium are both abundant elements in the Earth's crust, with aluminum being the most abundant metal and magnesium being the eighth most abundant element overall. They are often found in close association within the same minerals, such as in aluminosilicates and some carbonates. Both elements are highly reactive, forming compounds readily with oxygen to create oxides and silicates. However, they differ in their reactivity with water; aluminum forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further reaction, while magnesium reacts more readily with water to form magnesium hydroxide. This difference in reactivity influences their distribution and the types of compounds they form in nature.