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MAGNETITE CRYSTAL CLUSTER

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Out of stock


MAGNETITE CRYSTAL CLUSTER

Magnetite Crystal Cluster, showing Octahedral Crystal shape.  An interesting piece for metal specimen collectors.

Location:
Potosi Dept, Bolivia.

Dimensions:
10.6cm x 8.7cm x 3.3cm, 473g.

Magnetite:  Fe2+Fe23+O4.

 

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MAGNETITE CRYSTAL CLUSTERMAGNETITE CRYSTAL CLUSTER

Magnetite Crystal Cluster, showing Octahedral Crystal shape.  An interesting piece for metal specimen collectors.

Location:
Potosi Dept, Bolivia.

Dimensions:
10.6cm x 8.7cm x 3.3cm, 473g.

Magnetite:  Fe2+Fe23+O4.

Magnetite is an important iron ore, along with hematite.  Nanoinclusions of magnetite crystals cause the iridescence of Rainbow Obsidian (Nadin, 2007).  Extremely thin layers of 200-nm octahedral crystals of magnetite give some basalt surfaces an iridescent sheen.

Magnetite is a natural magnet, hence the name, giving it a very nice distinguishing characteristic. Explaining the magnetism is not easy but here is a go at it. Remember, electricity produces magnetic fields just as magnetism produces electric fields.  Magnetite is a member of the spinel group which has the standard formula A(B)2O4.  The A and B represent usually different metal ions that occupy specific sites in the crystal structure.  In the case of magnetite, Fe3O4, the A metal is Fe +2 and the B metal is Fe +3; two different metal ions in two specific sites.  This arrangement causes a transfer of electrons between the different irons in a structured path or vector.  This electric vector generates the magnetic field.

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