mineral
Magnetite (Small Granule)
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Black to brownish-black; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Black to brownish-black
- Luster
- Metallic to submetallic
Identified More mineral →
Explore Magnetite (Small Granule) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Black to brownish-black; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and some sedimentary environments. It frequently crystallizes from cooling magma as an accessory mineral or forms through metamorphic processes in iron-rich sediments.
Uses & applications
The primary ore of iron; used in heavy media separation, as a pigment in paints (Mars Black), and in the production of magnets and electronics.
Geological facts
Magnetite is the most magnetic of all the naturally-occurring minerals on Earth. Pieces like 'lodestone' were used by ancient civilizations to create the first magnetic compasses.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field because it is strongly attracted to a magnet. It often appears as heavy, dark, metallic sand or octahedron crystals in streambeds or within volcanic rocks.
