Are the ions of a metal very different from the atoms of a metal? Give some important differences in the properties you abserved.
Al is a metal. Metallic color, solid, reacts with oxygen to form a think Al2O3 oxide, reacts with acids to evolve H2 and form the salt, etc.
Al^3+ ion. In solution is colorless, not a solid, does not react with acids, forms a ppt with NaOH, etc.
You get the idea.