mineral
Magnetite
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 5.5-6.5, metallic to sub-metallic luster, black to dark gray color, black streak, and strongly magnetic with an isometric crystal system.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Magnetite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 5.5-6.5, metallic to sub-metallic luster, black to dark gray color, black streak, and strongly magnetic with an isometric crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through magmatic crystallization, hydrothermal processes, or regional metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron for steel production, used in heavy media separation, and prized by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Magnetite is the most magnetic naturally occurring mineral on Earth and is sometimes naturally magnetized as lodestone.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its strong magnetic attraction, black streak, and high specific gravity; found worldwide in black sands and igneous intrusions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Feldspar
Feldspar Group (Tectosilicate, e.g., KAlSi3O8)
mineral