Cochise College          Photos of Minerals

                          Geology Home Page                

                          Roger Weller, geology instructor

                          [email protected]
                                  copyright 2006-R.Weller
 

Mineral Information on:
magnetite

Chemical Group:    oxide

Chemical Formula:    Fe₃O₄

Color:    black            Steak:  black

Luster:  splendent to dull metallic    Transparency:  opaque

Hardness:  5.5 to 6.5       Specific Gravity:  5.20                  Fracture:

Crystal Forms and Habits: Isometric system
     Magnetite commonly forms octahedrons.
     It is commonly massive or granular.

Mineral Associations:  Magnetite is found in igneous rocks (usually basaltic) and
     in metamorphic environments

Identifying Characteristics:  highly magnetic, hence the source of its name.

Uses:  iron ore

Occurrences: 

Toxicity:      when-swallowed- low        when inhaled- high

Additional Information:  Some forms of magnetite are natural magnets and are
     called lodestones.