Magnetite

  • MagnetiteWhat is it and where is it formed?  Magnetite is a mineral that is formed in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks.

  • How and where is it mined?  Magnetite is mined using underground mining.  It is found in:  Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, and the United States [Franklin, New Jersey, Utah, Arkansas, Vermont].

  • What is it used for?  Magnetite is used to make steel, magnets, paints, ink, paper, and cosmetics.

  • Interesting Information:

    • Superstitious people believed that Magnetite gives a person more energy and takes away fear and bad feelings.

Magnetite
Magnetite + Sphalerite
Mineral Characteristic What the
mineralogists say		 Kid's Guide:  What it REALLY means!
Chemical Symbol Fe3O4

It has iron and oxygen in it.
Color Black, gray, brown These are the most common colors for magnetite.
Streak Black If you crush this, its dust would always be black.
Transparency Opaque You can’t see through its crystals.
Luster Metallic It shines like glass.
Cleavage None If you hit this with a hammer, it will not break evenly.
Fracture Uneven If this mineral is shattered, it doesn’t have a pattern.  Some pieces might be jagged, and some smooth.  It will be different each time a piece breaks.  It is brittle which means it breaks easily.
Magnetism Yes It is strongly attracted to magnets.
Hardness 5.5 – 6.5 It is average in hardness.
Specific gravity 5 It is average in weight.
Crystal Shape Octahedral