mineral
Magnetite
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
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.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Black to dark gray
- Luster
- Metallic to submetallic
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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.
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