MAGNETITE: A MINERAL

By: Chase Nelson and Ross Admire

General info about Magnetite Magnetite is an oxide of iron as is hemitite

and can form as iron oxidizes in a dry environment

When you see sparks from welding operations the sparks are due to the rapid oxidation from the iron to magnetite

Magnetite is naturally magnetized and is the most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals on Earth

Physical characteristics of Magnetite Color: black Luster: metallic to dull Transparency: opaque Cleavage: none :/ Fracture: conchoidal Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Streak: black Specific Gravity: 5.1 + Class: oxides and hydroxides

Elements of Magnetite

3 iron atoms and 4 oxygen atoms (fe3o4)

Finding Magnetite

Found in South Africa, Germany,

Russia, and the USA #MURICA

Mining Magnetite

Magnetite can be mined using basic underground mining techniques such as shaft mining or borehole mining

Value of Magnetite

Magnetite is a very common mineral that is sold at around $70 USD per ton

What Magnetite is used for Magnetite is used in many different

instances such as steel, nails, kitchen appliances, furniture, tools, bridges, automobiles, construction equipment, and many more objects primarily made of steel.

Magnetite can also be crushed to a fine magnetic powder to be used in objects such as magnets and auto parts.

Magnetite in crystal form

Gemstones

Gemstones have a unique crystalline structure which is unique and organized unlike minerals that aren’t considered gemstones.

Birthstones