TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Magnetita

Magnetita is a mineral with formula . This specimen comes from Mina Santa Justa, Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, España.

Magnetita from Mina Santa Justa, Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, España — Terrium

Description

A black plate densely covered with dark, magnetic crystals on ferruginous clay matrix.

History of this specimen

Mislabelled as from Burguillos, but I know it is typical magnetite from Jerez.

About Magnetita

Magnetite is an iron oxide, formula Fe₃O₄, and one of the most important iron minerals. It is recognised by its black colour, metallic to submetallic lustre, and strong natural magnetism.

About the locality

Mine belonging to the Coto Minero San Guillermo, where iron ore was extracted. The principal mineral present is magnetite. It was active between 1907 and 1978.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0490
Internal reference
T0189
Name
Magnetita
Associations
Fe₃O₄
District / Municipality
Mina Santa Justa
Province
Jerez de los Caballeros
Region
Badajoz
Country
España
Size (cm)
7.5 x 5 x 1.5
Weight
121.5 g
Etymology
Named after the ancient region of Magnesia in Thessaly (Greece), where, according to legend, a shepherd named Magnes discovered that the nails of his sandals adhered to these rocks.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

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