mineral
Magnetite
Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 5.5-6.5, opaque black to silvery-gray color, metallic to submetallic luster, isometric crystal system, and strong natural magnetism.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 5.5-6.5, opaque black to silvery-gray color, metallic to submetallic luster, isometric crystal system, and strong natural magnetism.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through magmatic crystallization, hydrothermal activity, and regional metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used as a major ore of iron, in heavy media separation, water purification, and as a popular mineral specimen for 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 in the field by its strong attraction to magnets and characteristic black streak; found globally in various rock types.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous