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Magnetite |
  
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Magnetite |
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Magnetite is a natural magnet, hence the name, giving it a very nice distinguishing characteristic. Magnetite is a member of the spinel group which has the standard formula A(B)2O4. The A and B represent usually different metal ions that occupy specific sites in the crystal structure. In the case of magnetite, Fe3O4, the A metal is Fe+2 and the B metal is Fe+3; two different metal ions in two specific sites. This arrangement causes a transfer of electrons between the different irons in a structured path or vector. This electric vector generates the magnetic field.
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