By Name A list of minerals in alphabetical order By Class Elements, Oxides, Carbonates, etc. Interesting Groupings Gemstones, Birthstones, etc. The minerals that show this property are few. But the property is important because of this fact. Once a specimen is established as magnetic, identification becomes a rather routine exercise.
Magnetism occurs when there is an imbalance in the structural arrangement of the iron ions.
Iron is found in two principle ionic states called ferrous and ferric ions. The two ions have different atomic radii because the higher charge of the ferric ions pulls the electrons surrounding the ion in tighter. This fact can lead to the different ions being placed in separate positions in a crystal structure. Electrons that move from the ferrous to the higher positively charged ferric ions create a slight magnetic field. The minerals that are magnetic range in magnetic strength from being capable of lifting steel rods to barely turning the needle on a compass.