8 Types of Rocks That Are Magnetic (And Where You Can Find Them)

This article outlines eight magnetic rocks along with information on where to find them.

8 Types of Rocks That Are Magnetic

Introduction To Magnetic Rocks

Most of the magnetic rocks are referred to as lodestones.

These rocks contain magnetites, which are abundant brownish-black minerals.

When suspended by a wire or thread, the rock will rotate and come to a complete stop only when the earth’s magnetic field is aligned with it.

A magnetic field is defined as a detectable area highly sensitive to magnetic forces.

These forces and activities are possible due to tiny particles called electrons, which are negatively charged and perform their functions.

The magnetism of a rock is determined by the magnetic properties of electrons outside the atoms.

When suspended in air, electrons tend to spin in any direction.

Consistent magnetic fields generated by rocks such as lodestones cause elements such as iron to magnetize.

Typically, the amount of heat applied to rocks increases their magnetic field.

The presence of magnetite grains can also determine the quantity of magnetism contained in a rock.

Once cooled, lava or magma containing iron minerals often behave like tiny magnets.

After the rock has solidified completely, the magnetic components that float on the molten surface tend to align with the magnetic field.

This phenomenon is also prevalent in sedimentary rock.

Obsidian

Hematite and magnetite are abundant in the dark-colored obsidian rock, so the magnet is drawn to it.

Obsidian is found in volcanically active areas in Kenya, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Iceland, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Chile, Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Obsidian is also abundant in areas with active volcanoes, such as the United States.

Hematite

This type of iron ore is composed of iron oxide and other minerals.

The rock is magnetic due to its metallic sheen and the presence of iron, as evidenced by its attraction to magnets.

Due to these and other characteristics, it is used as a radiation shielding material.

The rock has been discovered in places like Canada’s Lake Superior region, Switzerland’s mountainous region, and traced in countries like Brazil and South Africa.

Basalt

To a certain extent, basalt can acquire strong magnetism as it cools due to oxide minerals.

Most basalt is found in the mid-continent of waves, most notably in the Royale-Keweenaw region.

Quartz Tiger’s Eye

These rocks tend to have a strong magnetic field due to hematite minerals and iron components.

Magnetite is one of these components, and it possesses magnetic properties.

Namibia, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Burma, India, and South Africa are all locations where this rock can be found.

Magnetite

Magnetite is a rock composed of iron ores and is naturally ferromagnetic.

It is believed to attract magnets and has the potential to form a permanent magnet.

The rock contains various types of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.

Magnetite is found in mountain caves adjacent to the lost river and the jellyshroom cave.

Granite

Granite is abundant in iron minerals, making it magnetic due to its ability to attract magnets.

Additionally, the rock contains elements such as ilmenite and magnetite that form oxide minerals that contribute to magnetism.

Since it is a well-known igneous rock, it is widespread and found in hills and mountains.

Nickel

When exposed to magnetic fields, nickel develops ferromagnetic properties, which means it can attract and hold magnets while also acting as a permanent magnet on its own.

Deep within the earth’s interior, the constituents of the rock can be found.

Ferromagnetic metals such as lodestone, gadolinium, manganese, steel, cobalt, and iron, among others, have a strong attraction to nickel and tend to become permanently attached to it.

Metals such as limonite, garnierite, and pentlandite are found in ores in Australia, Canada, and Russia.

Onyx

Black onyx in its natural state contains iron oxide minerals that attract magnets.

Onyx is found in the United Kingdom, the United States, Latin America, Madagascar, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Germany, the Czech Republic, China, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Yemen, as well as Greece.

Conclusion

Magnetic rock is found worldwide, particularly in mountainous regions and areas with active volcanic activity.

A magnet can be defined as a rock that attracts other magnets or as a material that possesses magnetic properties.

Obsidian, hematite, basalt, tiger eye quartz, magnetite, granite, nickel, and onyx.

However, there are other rocks that have weaker properties of magnetism, such as ilmenite, franklinite, ferberite, columbite, chromite, and babingtonite.