Magnetite

Introduction: The mineral magnetite was named after the lands of Magnetes (Magnesia) in Greece by a Greek shepherd, Plini Secunda. Its most easily identifiable characteristic is that it is magnetic, often forming black to metallic octahedral crystals.

Distribution: Found in gneiss in the Kunene Complex, the Erongo pegmatites and in the Matchless amphibolite belt in central Namibia

Composition: Oxide

Crystal system: Cubic

Lustre: Dull, metallic

Streak: Black

Hardness: 5.5-6.5