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| Magnetite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Chemical formula | iron (II) oxide, iron (III) oxide to other iron oxides Fe2O2, FeO.Fe2O2 |
| Identification | |
| Colour | Black, greyish |
| Crystal habit | Octahedral , fine granular to massive, |
| Crystal system | Isometric |
| Cleavage | Indistinct |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Mohs Scale hardness | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Luster | Metallic |
| Refractive index | Opaque |
| Pleochroism | None |
| Streak | Black |
| Specific gravity | 5.17 - 5.18 |
| FusibilityFusibility is the ease with which a material will melt. Materials such as solder requires a low melting point so that when heat is applied to a joint, the solder will melt before the materials being soldered, i. high fusibility. On the other hand, firebri | ? |
| Solubility | ? |
| Major varieties | |
| LodestoneLodestone or loadstone refers to either: Magnetite, a magnetic mineral form of Iron (II, III) oxide, one of several iron oxides. A piece of magnetized magnetite that was used as an early form of magnetic compass. Only magnetite with a particular crystalli | Magnetic and definitely with north and south poles |
Magnetite, is a magnetic mineral form of iron (II, III) oxide , with chemical formula , one of several iron oxides.
Magnetite is the most magnetic of all the minerals on EarthEarth also known as the Earth or Terra is the planet on which we live, the third planet outward from the Sun. It is the largest of the solar system's terrestrial planets, and the only planetary body that modern science confirms as harbouring life. The pla, and these magnetic properties led to lodestoneLodestone or loadstone refers to either: Magnetite, a magnetic mineral form of Iron (II, III) oxide, one of several iron oxides. A piece of magnetized magnetite that was used as an early form of magnetic compass. Only magnetite with a particular crystallis being used as an early form of magnetic compassThis article is about the navigational tool. For other meanings, see Compass (disambiguation A compass (or mariner's compass is navigational instrument for finding directions. It consists of a magnetised pointer free to align itself accurately with Earth'.
Small grains of magnetite occur in almost all igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Magnetite is a valuable source of iron ore. It dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid.
Large deposits of magnetite are found in Kiruna, Sweden, and in the Adirondack region of New York in the United States. Deposits are also found in Norway, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, India, Mexico, and in Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado in the United States.
Magnetite is sometimes found in large quantities in beach sand. Such mineral sands or iron sands or black sands are found in various places such as California and the west coast of New Zealand. The magnetite is carried to the beach via rivers from erosion and is concentrated via wave action and currents.
Crystals of magnetite have been found in some bacteria (e.g., Aquaspirillum magnetotacticum ) and in the brains of bees, of some birds (e.g., the pigeon), and of humans. These crystals are thought to be involved in magnetoreception , the ability to sense the polarity or the inclination of the earth's magnetic field, and to be involved in navigation.