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 several dark, metallic, octahedral crystals of magnetite, some showing twinning, on a matrix.
Magnetite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
blackCleavage
none (parting on {111} and {110})Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
5.18Colors
black, brownish-blackTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Diamantina, Jequitinhonha valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, BrazilMineral Group
OxidesUses
iron ore, magnetic material, heavy aggregate, pigmentAssociated Minerals
hematite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz, feldsparRarity
commonGeological Context
Magnetite is a common accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and a major ore mineral found in banded iron formations, skarns, and magmatic deposits. It is the most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals.
