Magnetite (piece)

'Lodestones' or naturally-occurring magnets, were prized for their power of attracting iron, and were sometimes placed in ornate mounts. However, this piece of magnetic iron ore has been left in its 'natural' state. It would have been used to show students what such rocks might look like in the natural philosophy (physics) classroom of the University of Edinburgh in the early 19th century.

Oval shaped piece of natural magnetic iron ore, black grey in colour, with a pitted surface

A small natural magnet in the classroom apparently came from a Norwegian mine, so it is possible this piece came from the same source, but was left unmounted.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-000-910-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland T.1999.356
Date:	19th century
Material:	black grey mineral specimen with an uneven pitted surface. Inscription: 'E12' was painted onto one side in white paint, this has faded.
Dimensions:	45 mm H x 78 mm L x 25 mm W
What:	Magnetic iron ore / mineral specimen
Subject:	22. Physics and physical sciences
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
Event:
Description:
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