Magnetite (magnetic iron ore) is a widespread mineral, natural iron oxide. It may or may not have magnetic properties; occur both in crystals and in solid masses. It is an important iron ore.
You can see magnetite stone for sale and buy it in the Minerals of Russia online store.
General | |
---|---|
Category |
|
Formula (repeating unit) |
iron(II,III) oxide, Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
IMA symbol | Mag |
Strunz classification | 4.BB.05 |
Crystal system | Isometric |
Crystal class | Hexoctahedral (m3m) H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m) |
Space group | Fd3m |
Unit cell | a = 8.397 Å; Z = 8 |
Identification | |
Color | Black, gray with brownish tint in reflected sun |
Crystal habit | Octahedral, fine granular to massive |
Twinning | On {Ill} as both twin and composition plane, the spinel law, as contact twins |
Cleavage | Indistinct, parting on {Ill}, very good |
Fracture | Uneven |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 5.5–6.5 |
Luster | Metallic |
Streak | Black |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 5.17–5.18 |
Solubility | Dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid |
References | [2][3][4][5] |
Major varieties | |
Lodestone | Magnetic with definite north and south poles |