Gold is generally considered much more valuable than aluminum, and this seems to be common knowledge. However, not everyone thinks so; there is a historical figure who seems to challenge this viewpoint.
In the 1860s, French Emperor Napoleon III frequently hosted guests. For each visitor, he provided an elegant set of gold or silver knives and forks, exuding sophistication. Surprisingly, positioned in front of Napoleon III, on the opposite side of the ballroom, was a modest aluminum bowl.
What motivated Napoleon III to make such a choice?
Could it be that his guests were so esteemed that even an emperor like Napoleon III reserved the finest tableware for them?
This, however, wasn’t the case. Napoleon III intentionally opted for aluminum bowls over gold ones to convey his status.
While the aluminum bowls may not have possessed the same visual allure, they held considerable value. During that era, only the wealthiest individuals had the privilege of dining with such tableware.
The principle of scarcity dictated this value. In those times, aluminum was scarcer than gold. Despite aluminum being abundant in the Earth’s crust, its active chemical properties meant it mostly existed in compound forms. In contrast, gold’s stable chemical properties allowed it to exist in simpler forms.
Before the 20th century, with less advanced mining and smelting technologies for metal minerals, obtaining high-purity aluminum from mineral smelting was more challenging than obtaining gold. Therefore, at that time, aluminum was scarcer than gold or silver, commanding a high price. This scarcity prompted Napoleon III to showcase his wealth through the use of aluminum tableware.
So the next time you use an aluminum bowl as tableware to entertain friends, tell them this story and let them know they were treated like royal guests in the 19th century.
