Mineral Species:  Magnetite

Chemical Formula: FeFe2O4

Chemical Name: Iron Oxide

Mineral Class: Oxide

Mineral Notes: Magnetite is a naturally magnetic material, hence the name. Explaining the magnetism is not easy. However in relatively simple terms it happens because the mineral contains two forms of iron Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ in the crystal structure. The arrangement causes a circulation of electrons between the different types of iron in the lattice and this flow causes a magnetic field to be induced.

Description: Quite a complex, and therefore very interesting, specimen consisting of a Biotite matrix with inclusions of brassy Chalcopyrite. This matrix is covered by a thick crust of white Calcite, which itself has an inclusion of Rhodochrosite giving it a pale pink colouration. Embedded in this Calcite layer is a large single crystal of Magnetite. It is dark grey, very metallic, and has a first class tetrahedral pyramidal termination. It is very strongly magnetic.

Location: Magnetigorsk, Ural Mountauins, Russia.