MadSci Network: Earth Sciences
Query:

Re: What is the black substance in sand that sticks to a magnet?

Date: Mon Feb 26 09:06:33 2001
Posted By: Joe Renda, Grad student, Geology, SUNY Albany
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 981871187.Es
Message:

Well it could be a couple of different things. Remember that sand is just 
very small rocks (2mm-1/16mm)broken up into little pieces.  And rocks are 
just made up of minerals, which are chemcials and elements.  
And what typically 'sticks' to magnets?  Anything composed of a ferrous 
material. Iron (Fe).  So what is attracted to magnets? is black? and has a 
high Iron content?  Magnetite for one. But there are others. 
Remember that the content of the mineral will determine the properties.



Try collecting some of the black material. Enough for a small pile.
Leave it out side.  If it has enough iron in it, it should rust.  This may 
take a while before you get results.


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