02-05-2021
Iron Magnetic
Meteorites are not magnets – they do not attract paper clips or pins. Most (>95%) meteorites (chondrites, iron meteorites), however, do attract a magnet because they contain a lot of iron-nickel metal.
Iron Magnetic Domain
If you have a rock that does not attract a magnet, then almost certainly it is not a meteorite. Some of the rarest kinds of meteorites (achondrites, lunar meteorites, martian meteorites) do not attract magnets, however, because they contain little or no metal. Most terrestrial (Earth) rocks also do not attract magnets for the same reason.
Magnetic properties of Iron state the information about its magnetic ordering and orientation.
- In their natural states, metals such as brass, copper, gold and silver will not attract magnets. This is because they are weak metals to start with. Magnets only attach themselves to strong metals such as iron and cobalt and that is why not all types of metals can make magnets stick to them.
- Due to their properties such as superparamagnetism, high surface area, large surface-to-volume ratio, easy separation under external magnetic fields, iron magnetic nanoparticles have attracted much attention in the past few decades. Various modification methods have.
- Iron is one of three elements (cobalt – Co, iron – Fe, and nickel – Ni) that are magnetic at room temperature. The solution of school glue with borax and water produces a putty-like material that’s elastic and flows very slowly. The glue is actually made of a polymer material.
- What Metals Are Magnetic? Most metals with magnetic properties are ferrous: metals and alloys that contain iron. These ferrous metals include mild steel, carbon.
If you have a rock that does attract a magnet, then it is also probably not a meteorite because the mineral magnetite is common in earth rocks. Cut or break the rock open. If it has metal flecks or veins like these ordinary chondrites, then it might be a meteorite, but more likely it is just industrial slag, which often contain metal blebs.
Iron Magnetic Domains
Do not use a use a neodymium (rare earth) magnet. Those things are so strong that they will attract many kinds of terrestrial rocks. An ordinary chondrite or iron meteorite will respond to a simple refrigerator (ceramic) magnet.
Iron Magnetic Moment
If you have a piece of metal that does not strongly attract a magnet, then it is definitely not a meteorite.
If you have a piece of metal that does attract a magnet and want to know if it is an iron meteorite, obtain a chemical analysis for the elements iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn). Iron meteorites will have 75-95% Fe, 5-25% Ni, 0.2- 2% Co, and <0.1 % (<1000 ppm) each Cr and Mn. A metallurgical lab can provide this analysis.
Iron Magnetic Field
A good way to test if a rock is attracted to a magnet is with a circular ceramic magnet like those often used for “refrigerator magnets.” Put it on its edge on a flat, hard surface. If a rock attracts a magnetic, you can cause the magnet to roll by pulling the magnet with the rock.
Magnetite (the rock at the end of the ruler) is a common Earth mineral. It readily attracts a cheap refrigerator (ceramic) magnet.