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How to Perform the Magnetic Test on Rocks

Lodestone is a naturally magnetic form of the mineral magnetite. Pyrrhotite, hematite, platinum and franklinite are also weakly magnetic minerals. You can test the magnetism of a sample to determine if it is or contains a magnetic mineral. The is a simple test that you can perform with household materials. This test is easy to teach both in classroom settings and during a home school lesson.

Things You'll Need

Rock and mineral samples
Paper clips or metal nails
Magnet

Instructions

- 1
  Place the mineral or rock samples on a table and sort them in the order that you want to test them. If you have a large number of samples, you should keep track of the samples and results in a notebook.
- 2
  Place the paper clips, nails and magnet on a table. Use only metal paper clips.
- 3
  Hold one sample at a time over the nails and paper clips. If the rock or mineral has magnetic properties like lodestone, it will attract the nails or paper clips. Record the result of each test if you are keeping track of the samples in a notebook.
- 4
  Hold the magnet to each of the samples and observe if there is an attraction. Some versions of magnetite, pyrrhotite, hematite, platinum and franklinite will be attracted to the magnet.

Rocks & Minerals