mineral

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Iron-black to dark grey. Luster: Metallic to submetallic. Crystal system: Isometric. Cleavage: None (octahedral parting). Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2. Strongly magnetic.

Hardness: 5
Color: Iron-black to dark grey
Luster: Metallic to submetallic

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Commonly occurs as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks like basalt and gabbro, and in hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron. Used in the production of steel, as a heavy media for coal washing, in magnetic storage media, and as a mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Magnetite is the most magnetic of all the naturally-occurring minerals on Earth. Naturally magnetized pieces called lodestones were used as the first magnetic compasses in history.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its black color, black streak, and strong attraction to magnets. Found globally, with major deposits in Sweden, South Africa, and the USA.