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
This image displays sharp, lustrous, black octahedral crystals of magnetite, some of which are intergrown or twinned, exhibiting a distinct metallic sheen.
Magnetite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
blackCleavage
noneFracture
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, apatiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Magnetite is a common accessory mineral in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, and can also form in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits. It is a significant ore mineral for iron.
