[h=1]Magnetite and Lodestone[/h]
[h=4]The primary ore of iron, a mineral used in heavy media separation, and a recorder of Earth magnetism.[/h]
What is Magnetite?Magnetite is a very common iron oxide (Fe[SUB]3[/SUB]O[SUB]4[/SUB])
mineral that is found in
igneous,
metamorphic, and
sedimentary rocks. It is the most commonly mined ore of iron. It is also the
mineral with the highest iron content (72.4%).
[h=2]Identification of Magnetite[/h]Magnetite is very easy to identify. It is one of just a few minerals that are attracted to a common magnet. It is a black, opaque, submetallic to metallic mineral with a
Mohs hardness between 5 and 6.5. It is often found in the form of isometric crystals. It is the most strongly magnetic mineral found in nature.
[h=2]Magnetite as "Lodestone"[/h]Normal magnetite is attracted to a magnet, but some specimens are automagnetized and have the ability to attract small pieces of iron, small pieces of magnetite, and other magnetic objects. This form of magnetite, known as "lodestone," was man's first encounter with the property of magnetism.
https://geology.com/minerals/magnetite.shtml
[h=1]Magnetite and Lodestone[/h]
[h=4]The primary ore of iron, a mineral used in heavy media separation, and a recorder of Earth magnetism[/h]
