La Magnetite It is one of the most interesting minerals there is and one of the most used in the current industry. On this occasion, Spiritual energy It will describe everything related to this stone.
Magnetite
This iron ore is made up of diferric ferrous oxide. Also known as ferroferrite and morpholite. Therefore, it can integrate several different elemental impurities that partially replace the first and second iron.
One of the main characteristics of lodestone is that it is known to have an important attraction for magnets in its property. Although its magnetism is weak, this mineral is strong enough to attract large nails. In fact, some forms of this mineral in specific places are actually magnets.
That is why magnetite is also known as lodestone, since this magnetic form is the only mineral that constitutes a natural magnet. In this way, the magnetism that it has generates that the tiny iron particles are frequently attached to its surfaces.
You should keep in mind that this is capable of creating a layer of yellow oxide with brown touches if you wash it or place it in a damp place. But when doing this, you must dry it immediately to prevent it from rusting.
In the event that it oxidizes, you can remove it very easily by removing the magnetite in solvent oxide. Some identify it as a ferromagnetic, due to its strong attraction to the magnetic field. Hence, its main characteristics are that it has a strong attraction to the magnet, hardness and streak.
History
According to some research, its name comes from the Greek city of Magnesia in Thessaly, which is now the prefecture of Magnesia. However, according to an ancient fable by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder or Cayo Plinio Secundo, the name of this mineral is due to the name of the shepherd Magnes, who was the one who made the discovery of this stone on Mount Ida.
In the fable, Pastor Magnes discovered lodestone when he observed that it stuck to the nails in his shoes.
Appearance
The color of magnetite is dark gray to black. Its transparency is opaque and the shine is metallic. Characterized by having an isometric crystal system. In addition to that, it can be dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Its crystals are frequently octahedral in shape and can have an excellent formation, except for the dodecahedral ones. In grainy form, embedded grains and rounded crystals.
There may also be crystals that combine octahedral and dodecahedral faces. In fact, crystals may be striated and some octahedral crystals may contain shell developments.
It should be noted that the mineral hematite (mineral form of ferric oxide) is capable of generating pseudomorphs on top of magnetite. Which are known as Martite. These are characterized by having an appearance very similar to that of regular magnetite. Although the difference is that the Martite are very weakly attracted to the magnetic field and are brown with a reddish touch.
Morphology
It generates crystals of up to 25 centimeters, which are mostly octahedral (eight faces) and in a few cases dodecahedral (twelve faces) with parallel striations. Furthermore, they are rarely seen in cubic crystals. Learn more about the malachite.
Location
Magnetite is a very common and well-known mineral, which is why it is mined commercially on a massive scale. It originates in igneous rocks, such as diabase or black granite, also in contact metamorphic rocks and in hydrothermal replacement deposits.
Because lodestone is one of the most widespread iron oxide minerals in the world, it can occur in various geological settings. However, although it is a common accessory mineral in igneous rocks, it very rarely forms large crystals that can be seen in hand samples.
In fact, it is usually dispersed through a rock in the form of microscopic crystals that develop around the edges of iron minerals, such as Biotite, Amphibole and Pyroxenes.
That is why, in this disaggregated form, it is very rare that it has a large volume that can be detected by a hand magnet, so that the rock can be seen by sensitive instruments.
Its individual octahedral crystals, which are usually on matrix, are known mainly from places like Wallis Island in France, Binntal in Switzerland and other areas of this country.
The development of these crystals is very particular, as in some cases they may have triangular-shaped layers or striae. In fact, one of the largest deposits of this mineral is located in the northern area of Sweden, where there are excellent crystals that come from the city of Nordmark.
There are also crystals of this mineral that are well formed and originate from the Kovdor Mine on the Kola Peninsula in Russia. While the crystals that are made up of a greater number of striae characterized by having layers of development originate mainly in the city of Parachinar located in Pakistan.
Regarding the extraction of magnetite in the American continent, it is extracted in South America, specifically in Cerro Huanaquino, Potosí in Bolivia. Where octahedral crystals are located that are characterized by having a very impressive brilliance and by being formed in a very good way.
Other prominent places where this mineral can also be found are in Norway, Portugal, Spain, Thailand and Mauritania.
Minerals with which it is related
This stone is usually associated with Calcite, Hornblende, Biotite, Flopopite, Talc, Hematite, Epidote, Apatite, Alamdina, Chlorite and the well-known Pyrite. Learn more about the pirita.
Similarity to other minerals
Magnetite is similar to various minerals, but differs due to the following characteristics:
- Franklinite: it is very weakly attracted by the magnetic field and its color varies from reddish brown to black.
- Spinel: It is not attracted to magnetic fields and has a vitreous luster and white streak.
- Ilmenite: It is iron black in color and has a metallic or sub-metallic sheen. It is weakly magnetic.
- Chromite: It is characterized by being weakly magnetic and is between translucent and opaque, with black, brownish black and metallic luster.
- Post-magnetite pseudomorph hematite: It has a very weak magnetic attraction.
Use
This important iron mineral is made up of crystals that form very well, which makes them very attractive, especially for people who are dedicated to the collection of minerals. Even in the scientific field, this stone is also widely used, since it has strong magnetic properties.
As a construction material, it is used as a high-density natural aggregate in concrete, especially for radiological protection. It is also applied in industrial boilers, because it is a very stable compound at high temperatures.
Even its stability at high temperatures makes it a good protector of the internal area of boiler tubes, which is why chemical treatments are carried out in industrial boilers. In order to form continuous layers of this mineral in the internal area of the tubes.
An interesting feature of magnetite is that it has magnetoreception, which is the ability of some living beings to detect the direction and direction of the magnetic field. That is why magnetite is also used by various animals to guide themselves, such as birds and bees.
As well as it is also used by molluscs to guide themselves in navigation using the earth's magnetic field. Especially by the molluscs of the Chiton genus, who have a structure very similar to the tongue known as radula, which is covered by denticles wrapped in this mineral. In addition to favoring when grinding food.
Another of the animals that has tiny grains of stone in their beaks to orient themselves, are the pigeons. Learn more about the hematite.
energetic properties
The magnetite in the meaning of the stones, is classified as a very good resource to heal the earth and also the being of each person. In addition to that, it is ideal for attracting serenity and emanating good energies and positive sensations.
The person who has the magnetite can see more clearly what is around him. Becoming more lucid, constant and also being able to control your emotions much better, since it will calm negative energies, thus avoiding worries.
In this way, the spiritual meaning of this stone is to support the management of negative emotions to eliminate them and generate positive emotions that provide psychological well-being and an adequate balance.
Healing properties
Magnetite is sometimes used by people with respiratory problems, such as asthma. It is also used as an alternative therapy for skin care and to reduce inflammation.
Some recommend placing the magnetite on top of the back of the neck. Although others consider that it can also be placed on top of the base of the spine or another joint where there is some type of pain. In addition to that, it can be left near people when they are sleeping. Since it helps to calm the cramps of the night.
As you have been able to notice, there are many functions of magnetite, everything will depend on which one is best for you, so that you can have this interesting mineral. If you liked the information in this article, you can also learn more about the rock crystal.