Only two minerals on earth are magnetic. They both have high quantities of iron. Magnetite is one of the magnetic minerals and pyrrhotite is the other. Magnetite was used by ancient sailors for compasses. They would chip off needles of magnetite and float them on water and watch the needle point to the north.
The photo above shows small pieces of metal fillings magnetically attached to magnetite! The rock is a natural magnet!

Click on the "Next" button to learn about nature's magnet.
Back Beginning Questions Next To VolcanoWorld