mineral
Magnetite
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Black to dark gray; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (octahedron); Cleavage: None (has parting); Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2; Strongly magnetic.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Black to dark gray
- Luster
- Metallic to submetallic
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 Mohs scale; Color: Black to dark gray; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (octahedron); Cleavage: None (has parting); Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2; Strongly magnetic.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Often occurs as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks like granite and basalt, or in metamorphic rocks through regional/contact metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron; used in heavy media separation, steel manufacturing, and as mineral specimens for collectors.
Geological facts
Magnetite is the most magnetic naturally occurring mineral on Earth. Lodestone is a naturally magnetized variety of magnetite that was used as early compasses.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its dark color, metallic luster, black streak, and strong attraction to magnets. Found globally in iron-rich geological regions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous