Magnetite, from Russia (REF:MAG1)

Magnetite is one of the main iron ores along with Hematite which are commercially mined. It is distinguished by its black octahedral crystals and can be naturally magnetic.

These naturally magnetic pieces are often referred to as Lodestone. The name Lodestone comes from the Old English and means "way stone” and the first compass needles were made from this material becoming invaluable to early explorers including Christopher Columbus.

Magnetite is sometimes found in large amounts contained in beach sand. These black sands are found in places such as Hong Kong, California USA and the west cost of the North Island of New Zealand. Large deposits of Magnetite are also found in Chile, Uruguay, Sweden, New South Wales Australia and the Adirondack Mountains in the USA. In Tasmania there are such large deposits that they can affect a magnetic compass if used in the area!