Magnetite: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when referring to a naturally occurring iron oxide that is magnetic. It's often discussed in geology, mining, and materials science.

• Geologists discovered a large deposit of magnetite in the region
• Magnetite is one of the most magnetic naturally occurring minerals on Earth

This term is used in historical or archaic contexts to describe a naturally magnetized piece of magnetite, often associated with early uses in navigation.

• Ancient mariners used lodestones as primitive compasses
• The lodestone in the museum's collection still points north after centuries

Use this term when talking about raw iron-bearing minerals that are mined and processed to extract metallic iron. It's often used in industrial and economic contexts.

• The company increased its production of iron ore to meet the growing demand from steel manufacturers
• Australia is one of the largest producers of iron ore in the world

This term is best used in metallurgy and materials science to describe a specific crystalline form of iron, typically found in steel. It's also used to describe magnetic materials in electronics.

• The microstructure of this steel includes both austenite and ferrite phases
• Ferrite cores are commonly used in transformers and inductors