Magnetite: properties and application of the mineral

Magnetite became known in ancient times. For example, in China they learned about him before our era, there are also references recorded in the IV century. In those ancient times, magnetite was used as a compass, and recognized new worlds.

The famous philosopher Plato writes about magnetic stone in his works, noting that magnetite can not only attract metal products, but also give its energy.

According to legend, magnetite acquired its name thanks to the name of the Greek shepherd, who sounded like Magnes. His shoes, as well as the lower part of the staff were made of iron and always pulled stones to themselves. Another legend says that the mineral received its name from the Turkish city of Magnesia. A mountain was located near Magnesia, and lightning often struck it.

Magnetite changed its name several times. So, until the Middle Ages it was mentioned as a magnet, then as a magnetic iron ore. The modern name "magnetite" began to be used only in 1845.

Magnetite belongs to the class of oxides. Its main chemical composition is iron oxide. At the same time, the presence of impurities in minerals is widespread: manganese, aluminum, zinc, and others. The chemical formula of magnetite is FeOxFe2O3. Theoretically, it contains pure iron FeO and Fe2O3 at 31.03% and 68.97%, respectively. Typically, these compounds are relatively pure in composition.

With red heat to the Curie point of 580 degrees Celsius, the magnetism of the mineral completely disappears, but is restored upon cooling.In nature, magnetic iron ore is found in the form of crystals, drain masses, and granular formations.

Other representatives of a number of magnetite are also distinguished: this magnesioferrite, franklinite, Jacobsite, disturbs, ulveshpinel.

The following varieties of magnetic iron ore are known.

• Titanomagnetite. It is titanic magnetite with a TiO2 content (several percent).
• Culsonite. This variety may be called vanadium magnetite because it contains vanadium.
• Cr - magnetite. This is chromium magnetite with a Cr2O3 content.
• Mg magnetite. Mineral containing magnesium.
• Al magnetite. A mineral in the formula of which aluminum is present.
• Maghemite. The name is formed from the first syllables of the names “magnetite” and “hematite”. This variety is found only occasionally.

Mineral formations of magnetite are iron ores containing iron and having the ability to attract it. Magnetite is formed from igneous rocks such as granite, diorite and others.

In the breed it is in the form of a homogeneous mass or in the form of inclusions. In small quantities, magnetite is found in most rocks with a coarse-grained structure, in co-residence with minerals such as biotite, sphene, and apatite. Under exogenous conditions (when the earth’s shell interacts with the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere), the appearance of magnetite is, rather, an exception.

There is an assumption that in our days the presence of magnetite grains in a marine mud sediment was not only the result of their ingress from the coastal zone, but also the consequence of new formations in place due to iron hydroxides under the reductive influence of decaying organics.

In the collision zones of lithospheric plates, the formation of large stratum and lenticular deposits of hematite-magnetic ores among ancient sedimentary strata also took place. At the moment of mechanical action on the rock, magnetite, being released from satellite minerals, crumbles into the smallest fraction. In this case, the concentration of placers in river and sea sand occurs.

On the territory of our country igneous deposits of magnetite can be found in the Chelyabinsk region (Kusinskoye field). It produces titanomagnetite with a high percentage of vanadium. This field is enriched with clean ore veins. Kopan titanomagnetite deposit is being developed in the south of the Urals, with the content of titanium inclusions. Iron-containing quartz minerals are found on the Kola Peninsula in Olenegorsk and in the West of Karelia in Kostomuksha. Swedish quartzite pantries were also famous.

One of the rich deposits of magnetite is located in Krivoy Rog (Ukraine). In the thickness of quartzites, layered deposits and formations are located, having the shape of pillars and lenticular in diameter. A similar deposit is located southeast of Kursk and is known as the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly.

In Kazakhstan, magnetite is mined in the Kustanai region. It is worth noting that this is a very large deposit, the volumes of which exceed the reserves of magnetic ores in the Urals. In Canada, magnetite is found in Sudbury County. In addition, there are deposits of pegmatite containing magnetite inclusions in Norway and the USA.

Magnetites do not have transparency.

The color scheme of the stone is close to black-gray tones and shades: black, dark gray, dark brown. Some specimens closer to the edge have a bluish tint.

Most mined magnetites have a metallic luster. In addition, matte and resinous options are found.

The hardness of the mineral is in the range from 5.5 to 6 points on the Mohs scale. Also the stone has moderate fragility, imperfection of cleavage, conchoid or even stepwise fracture and cubic structure.

The electrical conductivity of magnetite is quite low, it is a semiconductor. Its density is 5.2 g / cm3. The melting point of magnetic iron ore is 1591 degrees Celsius. In addition, a mineral in powder form is soluble under the influence of hydrochloric acid, and also demonstrates the properties of a weak base, slowly dissolving in water.

Under the presence of sulfide compounds, the mineral is converted to hematite or limonite.

A distinctive property that is indicated in the description of magnetite is its ability to attract and magnetize iron. This feature is actively used to detect deposits of magnetic stone. The stones exhibit polar magnetism, have north and south poles.

Magnetite is known as the magic stone.

It is used to make amulets and magical paraphernalia, and it also protects during the passage of rituals.

The records that have survived to this day indicate that Alexander the Great gave each of his soldiers a pebble of magnetite, which during the battle was supposed to protect against the forces of evil.

Also, magnetic iron helps to act correctly in adverse circumstances, and is recommended for wear to people who are constantly losing something. It is used as a talisman from witchcraft charms, the evil eye and dark forces, and is advised to take with you to places of large crowds. Most energetic forces of magnetite are suitable for representatives of the zodiac constellations Aquarius, Gemini, Virgo and Capricorn.

Such a mineral is used quite widely. He received special distribution in industry and medicine.

The healing properties of magnetite were noticed in ancient times. Since the 17th century, this mineral has been used to treat a variety of nervous ailments, such as convulsions, paralysis, severe headaches, and depressive states.

Currently, the medical use of magnetite has become even wider. It is widely used for massage, in the fight against cellulite formations, in the treatment of various diseases.

They also resort to it in the treatment of eye diseases, bronchitis, polio, to relieve seizures, with Parkinson's disease, radiculitis. It has a positive effect on the treatment of varicose veins.

In addition, magnetite has anti-aging effect. This effect was confirmed in a laboratory where studies were conducted on representatives of the animal world. Existing scientific developments allow the use of the formation of magnetite nanoparticles with gold for medicinal purposes - for the diagnosis and control of cancer.

Magnetitis treatment should be discussed with a doctor.

Iron ore, special steels and electrodes are obtained from ore magnetite, and phosphorus and vanadium are obtained during its processing. Gold is mined in some areas of our country from ore magnetite concentrate remaining after washing. Due to its good density, inertness and lack of toxicity, the mineral has found application as a filling substance for sports weights.

In the jewelry industry, magnetite is practically not used, since it does not have sufficient density and hardness.

In perfumes, metallic notes are often used. Using chemical compounds, the smell of iron is introduced into the perfume composition.

Iron ions, combining with lipid peroxide, lead to their decomposition, which favors the formation of volatile compounds with intense aroma.

Consider some amazing facts about magnetite.

• One of the most beautiful women, Queen Cleopatra, wore magnetite jewelry to prolong her youth.
• Many scientists have come to the conclusion that birds are able to see the Earth's magnetic field. This ability helps birds to find a home when flying long distances.
• Before the law on conservation of energy was opened, people made many attempts to use the properties of magnetic stone. They were interested in the infinite energy of the magnetic field.
• Many years ago, traveling magicians of ancient Greece staged performances around the world. The links of large circles hung separately one above the other and did not fall. Those present at such a show believed in the existence of supernatural forces that help artists.

Magnetite is not a representative of the high price segment, so its fake is not considered profitable. Often, they simply confuse him with hematite, goethite, hausmanite, chromite.

Also, any such stone has a cool metallic luster.

You can learn about how to get magentite from sand screening from the video below ..