Difference between revisions of "Magnetite" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Ebcompleted}}{{Copyedited}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Paid}}{{2Copyedited}}
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{{Infobox mineral
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| name    = Magnetite
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| category  =
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| boxwidth  =
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| boxbgcolor =
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| image    = Magnetite Russia.jpg
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| imagesize  =
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| caption  = Magnetite from the [[Kola Peninsula]], [[Russia]]
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| formula  = [[iron(II,III) oxide]], Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>
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| molweight  =
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| color    = Black, greyish
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| habit    = [[Octahedral]], fine granular to massive
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| system  = [[Cubic (crystal system)|Isometric]]
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| twinning  =
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| cleavage  = Indistinct
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| fracture  = Uneven
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| mohs    = 5.5 - 6.5
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| luster  = Metallic
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| refractive = Opaque
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| opticalprop =
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| birefringence =
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| pleochroism =
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| streak  = Black
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| gravity  = 5.17 - 5.18
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| density  =
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| melt    =
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| fusibility =
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| diagnostic =
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| solubility =
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| diaphaneity =
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| other    =
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| var1 = [[Lodestone]] | var1text = Magnetic with definite north and south poles
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}}
  
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'''Magnetite''' is a [[magnetism#magnetic_behavior|ferromagnetic]] [[mineral]] with the chemical formula '''[[Iron|Fe]]<sub>3</sub>[[Oxygen|O]]<sub>4</sub>'''and the common chemical name '''ferrous-ferric oxide,''' which indicates the mineral comprises both a ferrous component, FeO (wüstite), and a ferric component, Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (hematite). Magnetite is one of several types of [[iron oxide]] and its official ([[IUPAC]]) name is '''iron(II,III) oxide.''' It is a member of the [[spinel]] group of minerals, which crystallize in cubic and octahedral patterns, and its [[crystal]]s are black and opaque. The most [[magnetic]] of all naturally occurring minerals on [[Earth]], magnetite occurs in some places as naturally magnetized stone called [[lodestone]] and was used as an early form of magnetic [[compass]]. Magnetite dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid.
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Magnetite mineral is valuable as an [[iron]]-bearing [[ore]]. In addition, as it carries the dominant magnetic signature in rocks and it tends to lock in the magnetic pattern it carried as it was last hardening, magnetite has played a critical role in understanding [[plate tectonics]]. Changes in the [[oxygen]] content of the [[Earth's atmosphere]] can be inferred by studying [[sedimentary rock]]s containing magnetite. Moreover, interactions between magnetite and other oxide minerals have been studied to determine the oxidizing conditions and evolution of [[magma]]s over geological history.
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{{toc}}
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Small grains of magnetite occur in almost all [[igneous]] rocks and [[metamorphic]] rocks. Magnetite also occurs in many [[sedimentary]] rocks, including [[banded iron]] formations. In many igneous rocks, magnetite-rich and [[ilmenite]](a titanium iron oxide)-rich grains occur that precipitated together from magma.
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== Occurrence ==
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Magnetite occurs in many [[sedimentary rocks]], and huge deposits have been found in [[banded iron formation]]s. In addition, this mineral (especially in the form of small grains) occurs in almost all [[igneous rock|igneous]] and [[metamorphic rock]]s. Many igneous rocks contain magnetite-rich and [[ilmenite]]-rich grains that precipitated together from [[magma]]. Magnetite is also produced from [[peridotite]]s and [[dunite]]s by [[serpentinite|serpentinization]].
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Magnetite is sometimes found in large quantities in beach sand. It is carried to the beach by the erosive action of [[river]]s and is concentrated by waves and currents. Such [[mineral sand]]s (also called [[iron sand]]s or [[black sand]]s) are found in various places, including beaches in [[California]] and the west coast of [[New Zealand]]. In June 2005, an exploration company (Candero Resources) discovered a vast deposit of magnetite-bearing sand dunes in [[Peru]], where the highest dune is more than 2,000 meters (m) above the desert floor. The dune field covers 250 square kilometers (km²), and ten percent of the sand is magnetite.<ref>321Gold, [http://www.321gold.com/editorials/moriarty/moriarty070505.html Ferrous Nonsnotus.] Retrieved September 12, 2007.</ref>
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Large deposits of magnetite have been found in [[Kiruna]], [[Sweden]], and the [[Pilbara]] region of [[Western Australia]]. Additional deposits occur in [[Norway]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Switzerland]], [[South Africa]], [[India]], and [[Mexico]]. In the [[United States]], it is found in the states of [[New York]] ([[Adirondack Mountains|Adirondack]] region), [[New Jersey]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[North Carolina]], [[Virginia]], [[New Mexico]], [[Colorado]], [[Utah]], and [[Oregon]].
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== Biological occurrences ==
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Crystals of magnetite have been found in some [[bacterium|bacteria]] (such as ''[[Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum]]'') and in the brains of [[bees]], [[termites]], some [[birds]] (including [[pigeon]]s), and [[human being|humans]]. These crystals are thought to be involved in [[magnetoreception]]—the ability to sense the [[Polarity (physics)|polarity]] or [[inclination]] of the Earth's [[magnetic field]]—and to aid in [[navigation]]. Also, [[chitons]] have teeth made of magnetite on their [[radula]], making them unique among animals. This means they have an exceptionally abrasive tongue with which to scrape food from rocks. The study of [[biomagnetism]] began with the discoveries of [[Caltech]] [[Paleoecology|paleoecologist]] [[Heinz Lowenstam]] in the 1960s.
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== Laboratory preparation ==
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Magnetite can be prepared in the laboratory as a [[ferrofluid]] using the [[Massart method]]. It involves mixing [[iron(II) chloride]] and [[iron(III) chloride]] in the presence of [[sodium hydroxide]].
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== Characteristics ==
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This mineral is the most [[magnetic]] of all known naturally occurring minerals. Its [[Curie temperature]] is about 580°C. Chemically, it dissolves slowly in [[hydrochloric acid]].
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The interactions between magnetite and other iron-rich oxide minerals—such as [[ilmenite]], [[hematite]], and [[ulvospinel]]—have been studied extensively, as the complicated reactions between these minerals and [[oxygen]] influence how magnetite preserves records of the Earth's magnetic field.
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== Uses ==
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* Magnetite is an important ore of iron
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* [[Lodestone]], a naturally magnetized form of magnetite, played an important role in the study of [[magnetism]] and was used as an early form of magnetic [[compass]]
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* Magnetite typically carries the dominant magnetic signature in rocks, and so it has been a critical tool in [[paleomagnetism]], a science important in discovering and understanding [[plate tectonics]]
 +
* Changes in the oxygen content of the [[Earth's atmosphere]] can be inferred by studying [[sedimentary rock]]s containing magnetite
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* [[Igneous rock]]s commonly contain grains of two [[solid solution]]s: one between magnetite and ulvospinel, the other between ilmenite and hematite. A range of oxidizing conditions are found in magmas, and compositions of the mineral pairs are used to calculate how oxidizing the [[magma]] was and the possible evolution of the magma by [[fractional crystallization]].
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==See also==
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* [[Iron]]
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* [[Magnetism]]
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* [[Mineral]]
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* [[Oxide]]
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==Notes==
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<references/>
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== References ==
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* Chang', Shih-Bin Robin, and Joseph Lynn Kirschvink. [http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~jkirschvink/pdfs/AnnualReviews89.pdf Magnetofossils, the Magnetization of Sediments, and the Evolution of Magnetite Biomineralization.] ''Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.'' 17:169-95, 1989. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
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* Farndon, John. ''The Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify, Collect and Maintain the World's best Specimens, with over 1000 Photographs and Artworks''. London: Lorenz Books, 2006. ISBN 0754815412.
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* Klein, Cornelis, and Barbara Dutrow. ''Manual of Mineral Science''. 23rd ed. New York: John Wiley, 2007. ISBN 978-0471721574.
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* Lowenstam, Heinz A., and Stephen Weiner. ''On Biomineralization''. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003. ISBN 0195049772.
 +
* Pellant, Chris. ''Rocks and Minerals''. Smithsonian Handbooks. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2002. ISBN 0789491060
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* Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman. ''Rocks, Gems and Minerals''. Rev. ed. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2001. ISBN 1582381321
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* Mindat.org. [http://www.mindat.org/min-2538.html Magnetite.] ''Mindat.org,'' 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
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* Mineral Gallery. [http://www.galleries.com/minerals/oxides/magnetit/magnetit.htm The Mineral Magnetite.] ''Amethyst Galleries,'' 2006. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
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== External links ==
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All links retrieved November 5, 2022.
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* [http://webmineral.com/data/Magnetite.shtml Magnetite Mineral Data] ''Webmineral.com.''
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[[Category:Physical sciences]]
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[[Category:Earth sciences]]
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[[Category:Geology]]
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[[Category:Minerals]]
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{{credit|Magnetite|120406593|Magnetite|272943268}}

Latest revision as of 05:09, 5 November 2022

Magnetite
Magnetite Russia.jpg
Magnetite from the Kola Peninsula, Russia
General
CategoryMineral
Chemical formulairon(II,III) oxide, Fe3O4
Identification
ColorBlack, greyish
Crystal habitOctahedral, fine granular to massive
Crystal systemIsometric
CleavageIndistinct
FractureUneven
Mohs Scale hardness5.5 - 6.5
LusterMetallic
Refractive indexOpaque
StreakBlack
Specific gravity5.17 - 5.18
Major varieties
LodestoneMagnetic with definite north and south poles

Magnetite is a ferromagnetic mineral with the chemical formula Fe3O4and the common chemical name ferrous-ferric oxide, which indicates the mineral comprises both a ferrous component, FeO (wüstite), and a ferric component, Fe2O3 (hematite). Magnetite is one of several types of iron oxide and its official (IUPAC) name is iron(II,III) oxide. It is a member of the spinel group of minerals, which crystallize in cubic and octahedral patterns, and its crystals are black and opaque. The most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals on Earth, magnetite occurs in some places as naturally magnetized stone called lodestone and was used as an early form of magnetic compass. Magnetite dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid.

Magnetite mineral is valuable as an iron-bearing ore. In addition, as it carries the dominant magnetic signature in rocks and it tends to lock in the magnetic pattern it carried as it was last hardening, magnetite has played a critical role in understanding plate tectonics. Changes in the oxygen content of the Earth's atmosphere can be inferred by studying sedimentary rocks containing magnetite. Moreover, interactions between magnetite and other oxide minerals have been studied to determine the oxidizing conditions and evolution of magmas over geological history.

Small grains of magnetite occur in almost all igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks. Magnetite also occurs in many sedimentary rocks, including banded iron formations. In many igneous rocks, magnetite-rich and ilmenite(a titanium iron oxide)-rich grains occur that precipitated together from magma.

Occurrence

Magnetite occurs in many sedimentary rocks, and huge deposits have been found in banded iron formations. In addition, this mineral (especially in the form of small grains) occurs in almost all igneous and metamorphic rocks. Many igneous rocks contain magnetite-rich and ilmenite-rich grains that precipitated together from magma. Magnetite is also produced from peridotites and dunites by serpentinization.

Magnetite is sometimes found in large quantities in beach sand. It is carried to the beach by the erosive action of rivers and is concentrated by waves and currents. Such mineral sands (also called iron sands or black sands) are found in various places, including beaches in California and the west coast of New Zealand. In June 2005, an exploration company (Candero Resources) discovered a vast deposit of magnetite-bearing sand dunes in Peru, where the highest dune is more than 2,000 meters (m) above the desert floor. The dune field covers 250 square kilometers (km²), and ten percent of the sand is magnetite.[1]

Large deposits of magnetite have been found in Kiruna, Sweden, and the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Additional deposits occur in Norway, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, India, and Mexico. In the United States, it is found in the states of New York (Adirondack region), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon.

Biological occurrences

Crystals of magnetite have been found in some bacteria (such as Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum) and in the brains of bees, termites, some birds (including pigeons), and humans. These crystals are thought to be involved in magnetoreception—the ability to sense the polarity or inclination of the Earth's magnetic field—and to aid in navigation. Also, chitons have teeth made of magnetite on their radula, making them unique among animals. This means they have an exceptionally abrasive tongue with which to scrape food from rocks. The study of biomagnetism began with the discoveries of Caltech paleoecologist Heinz Lowenstam in the 1960s.

Laboratory preparation

Magnetite can be prepared in the laboratory as a ferrofluid using the Massart method. It involves mixing iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride in the presence of sodium hydroxide.

Characteristics

This mineral is the most magnetic of all known naturally occurring minerals. Its Curie temperature is about 580°C. Chemically, it dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid.

The interactions between magnetite and other iron-rich oxide minerals—such as ilmenite, hematite, and ulvospinel—have been studied extensively, as the complicated reactions between these minerals and oxygen influence how magnetite preserves records of the Earth's magnetic field.

Uses

  • Magnetite is an important ore of iron
  • Lodestone, a naturally magnetized form of magnetite, played an important role in the study of magnetism and was used as an early form of magnetic compass
  • Magnetite typically carries the dominant magnetic signature in rocks, and so it has been a critical tool in paleomagnetism, a science important in discovering and understanding plate tectonics
  • Changes in the oxygen content of the Earth's atmosphere can be inferred by studying sedimentary rocks containing magnetite
  • Igneous rocks commonly contain grains of two solid solutions: one between magnetite and ulvospinel, the other between ilmenite and hematite. A range of oxidizing conditions are found in magmas, and compositions of the mineral pairs are used to calculate how oxidizing the magma was and the possible evolution of the magma by fractional crystallization.

See also

Notes

  1. 321Gold, Ferrous Nonsnotus. Retrieved September 12, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Chang', Shih-Bin Robin, and Joseph Lynn Kirschvink. Magnetofossils, the Magnetization of Sediments, and the Evolution of Magnetite Biomineralization. Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 17:169-95, 1989. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  • Farndon, John. The Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify, Collect and Maintain the World's best Specimens, with over 1000 Photographs and Artworks. London: Lorenz Books, 2006. ISBN 0754815412.
  • Klein, Cornelis, and Barbara Dutrow. Manual of Mineral Science. 23rd ed. New York: John Wiley, 2007. ISBN 978-0471721574.
  • Lowenstam, Heinz A., and Stephen Weiner. On Biomineralization. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003. ISBN 0195049772.
  • Pellant, Chris. Rocks and Minerals. Smithsonian Handbooks. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2002. ISBN 0789491060
  • Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman. Rocks, Gems and Minerals. Rev. ed. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2001. ISBN 1582381321
  • Mindat.org. Magnetite. Mindat.org, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  • Mineral Gallery. The Mineral Magnetite. Amethyst Galleries, 2006. Retrieved September 12, 2007.

External links

All links retrieved November 5, 2022.

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