What is the use of magnetite?
Magnetite is a mineral of iron oxide belonging to a group known as Spinels. It is very common and it is a valuable iron ore. Magnetite is known to humanity from early history and has led to the earliest discovery and understanding of magnetism. It is the most highly magnetically naturally occurring mineral and a variety known as Lidestone was the basis of the first raw magnetic compass. Today there are many use of magnetite, for example in abrasives and coatings.
Several minerals serve as sources of iron ore and magnetite is one of the most important. Large amounts of magnetite are mined and processed into iron for use in steel. Most magnetite mined annually is used for this purpose.
A smaller amount of magnetite is used in other but no less important ways. Abrasives are one such use and magnetite is used to make common abrasive known as Emery that is attached to stiff pieces of wood or cardboard and impregnated into a fabric, BOTH that are used almost the same wayObire like grinding paper. Emery boards are, for example, a popular cosmetic tool for nail administering and grinding. The granulated magnetite is sometimes added to water beam devices used for cutting and sandpit as abrasive.
water treatment can be one of the most important uses of magnetite because the mineral attracts and binds the dissolved arsenic. Extremely small magnetite particles are highly effective in arsenic removal, a major and dangerous contaminant of water sources around the world.
The production of ammonia and artificial hydrocarbons is two other use of magnetite. It is not directly involved in the chemical reactions that these compounds produce, but act as a catalyst for them, increase production and improve efficiency. Ammonia production is a key step in the production of fertilizers that are used to delay the crop that feeds on the world's population. Magnetite is sometimes used as a topAda to fertilizer and provides iron as a micronutrient.
The provision of pigment in some colors and toners is another use of magnetite. This is especially common for toner used in the copy process. Magnetite is also used to shoot the interior of some types of boilers and other containers to maintain liquid at high temperatures. High density concrete often has an additive.