igneous
Magnetite / Iron-Rich Basalt
Magnetite bearing Mafic Rock (Fe3O4)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Dark grey to black; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Structure: Often granular or massive; Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Dark grey to black
- Luster
- Metallic to sub-metallic
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Dark grey to black; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Structure: Often granular or massive; Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks through magmatic differentiation or in metamorphic rocks through hydrothermal processes. Often found in banded iron formations.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron; used in heavy media separation and as a pigment in paints and ceramics.
Geological facts
Magnetite is the most magnetic of all the naturally-occurring minerals on Earth. Naturally magnetized pieces are called lodestones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark color, heavy weight (high density), and the fact that it will be attracted to a hand magnet. Found worldwide in volcanic terrains.
