Naturally Magnetic Magnetite

This rare mineral is naturally magnetic. Used in early navigation and thought to have magical properties, lodestones are most likely made from lightning strikes. They will be magic in your store and sell like lightning. Included is a 1" inch stone and information. Only two minerals are naturally magnetic. The one you are looking at is the stronger of the two. Chinese in the 4th century B.C. recognized that these stones turned to point to the Earth’s magnetic poles, north and south. As with many scientific phenomena, there was an early association with magic. The first use of lodestone was in Chinese fortune telling. However, the lodestone soon led to the invention of the first compasses. Lodestone compasses enabled safer navigation that contributed to the great voyages of discovery. Miners also followed the stone because it was attracted to iron. Lodestone is a form of magnetite—an oxide of iron. While magnetite is common, lodestone is rare. Why? Only magnetite with a particular crystalline and chemical structure can become magnetized. It needs contact with a strong magnetic field—lightning! Tests at the Langmuir lab, a lightning study center in New Mexico, conclude that the magnetic magic of lodestones is created by contact with the energy field created by lightning striking the earth. 3.5x6" peggable card. Part of Copernicus Toys Compact Curiosity line.