Charles Martin Hall Biography

Charles Martin Hall was an inventor and entrepreneur from America, who discovered an inexpensive process to produce aluminum. His discovery revolutionized the course of metallurgy for one of the most common metals found on the Earth’s surface. The lighter, less expensive, fuel-efficient and rust-resistant airplanes and cars we find today became possible thanks to the innovator’s work. He had 22 registered patents in his name, many of them concerning constant improvements in the field of aluminum production. There was a time when aluminum was as expensive and precious as silver, because it was not naturally available in its elemental state. In addition, the method of extraction was extremely complicated and expensive. All this changed due to Hall and his perseverance to figure out a solution to this problem. He was one of the seven founder members of the Pittsburgh Reduction Company that commercialized his discovery. Born into an educated family, Hall had the acumen to start experimenting at a very early age, and his family was also very supportive of his passion. He was a philanthropist who donated most of his wealth to his alma mater and charities. An avid collector of porcelain and oriental rugs, he was also fond of listening to music.