Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
cubiccommonOxides
Magnetite
Fe3O4
The image displays a specimen covered with sharp, black, metallic magnetite crystals, many exhibiting well-defined octahedral forms, some reaching up to one centimeter on edge.
Magnetite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
6Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
blackCleavage
none (octahedral parting sometimes observed)Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
5.18Colors
black, dark grayTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Cerro Huañaquino, Potosí Department, BoliviaMineral Group
OxidesUses
iron ore, magnetic recording, heavy media separation, pigmentAssociated Minerals
hematite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz, feldsparRarity
commonGeological Context
Magnetite is a common accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and can form massive ore deposits in various settings, including magmatic segregations, contact metamorphic skarns, and banded iron formations. It is a primary ore mineral for iron.
