What is Magnetite?
Magnetite is a type of iron oxide with natural magnetic properties. In fact, it is the most magnetic naturally occurring mineral on Earth and was once used in compasses. The chemical name of magnetite is ferrous-ferric oxide, and its chemical formula is Fe3O4. Magnetite occurs in nearly all igneous and metamorphic rocks, though usually only in small particles or in a solution with other minerals. Some beaches, often called black sand beaches, have heavy magnetite deposits. There are also significant, concentrated deposits of magnetite and hematite, a mineral resulting from the reaction of magnetite with oxygen, in very old sedimentary rock formations known as banded iron formations. In addition to geological formations, magnetite is found in small quantities in certain bacteria and animals. Chitons, a type of mollusk, have magnetite crystals on their radula, a scraping appendage used to eat. These crystals make the radula very abrasive, allowing chitons to scrape food from rocks. Magne
Magnetite is a common iron oxide mineral, named for an ancient region of Greece where metal production was prominent. It is the only mineral that exhibits strong magnetism, although others like ilmenite and hematite have weakly magnetic behavior. Most magnetite occurs in very small grains. When a chunk of well-crystallized magnetite is found, it is called a lodestone. Magnetite also occurs in well-formed crystals.
What is it used for? Magnetite is a mineral, a magnetic iron ore belonging to the spinelle family, which is comprised mainly of ferroferic oxide and tri-iton tetroxide. It ranges in color from black to brownish. It is magnetic and metallic, with a hard texture, and fractures unevenly. It is tasteless, but usually has an earthy odor.
