Enter our Virtual Gallery of Magnetite Mineral Specimens
MINERALMINERS.COM®- Your Personal 'Link' Direct to the Mines!TM

Magnetite: Mineral Information Page



Links To Magnetite Information Topics On This Page:
Magnetite Items in our VIRTUAL GALLERY
Magnetite Physical Properties
Magnetite Occurance and Diagnostic Features
Magnetite History and Uses
Magnetite Metaphysical Properties


MAGNETITE ITEMS IN OUR VIRTUAL GALLERY:
(Select any of these links to enter our Virtual Gallery)

Return to the Index of Magnetite Information Topics

MAGNETITE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Return to the Index of Magnetite Information Topics

MAGNETITE OCCURRENCE AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

Magnetite is one of the most ubiquitous minerals, occuring in a great variety of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, typically as disseminated crystals or grains comprising less than one percent of their host rock.

Most plutonic igneous rocks commonly contain magnetite as disseminated grains. In some igneous melts, magnetite grains may concentrate by magmatic segragation thereby becoming the main or only constituent, thus forming ore bodies of economic importance.

Magnetite often occurs in metamorphic rocks which formed from ferruginous sediments in both regional and contact metamorphic settings, the magnetite commonly forming by the reduction of hematite and ferric hydroxide minerals. Banded Precambrian iron formations commonly contain magnetite.

Magnetite also can form from volcanic gases, and from high temperature hydrothermal sulfide solutions, and has also been found in some meteorites.
Magnetite and corundum can occur together forming emery, a fine-grained mineral assemblage that has been used since ancient times as an abrasive.

Magnetite detrital grains are commonly the main constituent of black sands.

Magnetite is characteristically recognized by its strong magnetism, color and streak.

Return to the Index of Magnetite Information Topics


MAGNETITE HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND USES

The name magnetite is thought to be derived from the ancient locality Magnesia near Macedonia. According to Pliny, the name was derived from that of a shepherd named Magnes who first discovered magnetite on mount Ida while pasturing his flock, when pieces of magnetite (Lodestone) clung to the metal nails in his shoes.

Magnetite has been used for thousands of years as amulets and talismans. It was said to give protection from enchantments and evil spirits, and to provide invulnerability to soldiers. It was also said to attract power, favor and love, and to guard against unfaithfulness.

Magnetite is an important ore mineral of iron. A mixture of magnetite and corundum together is known as emery, a fine-grained mineral assemblage that has been used since ancient times as an abrasive.

The astrological signs of magnetite are Aries, Capricorn, Aquarius and Virgo.


Return to the Index of Magnetite Information Topics

MAGNETITE METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Magnetite is said to enhance one's spirituality and to assist in meditation. It is also said to increase physical energy, vitality and endurance, and to dispell negative emotions such as fear and anger, and to attract love and protect virtue.

Magnetite is said to help strengthen the circulatory system and to help in the treatment of blood and bleeding disorders.

For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.


This is the end of our Magnetite Factsheet and Information page.

Magnetite Items in our Virtual Gallery
Magnetite
Mineral Specimens
Lodestone
Mineral Specimens
Iron Ore in Bulk
Spectacular Magnetite Decorator
& Collector Items

Go up to the top of this Magnetite Information Page


Last Updated: March 30, 2015
© Copyright 1998-2015 Gem & Mineral Miners, Inc.® All Rights Reserved.