Magnet
There are two kinds of magnets-natural and artificial. The natural magnet is an iron ore which has the property of attracting to itself particles of iron or steel. If suspended, it takes a north and south direction, and it is from this particular leading property that it is called leadstone or loadstone. The magnet (magnes in Greek) is supposed to have received its name from Magnesia, in Asia Minor, where it was first discovered. See LOADSTONE. Magnetite is a magnetic iron ore, or oxidulated iron. It is one of the richest and most important ores of iron, and produces the finest brands of steel. It is found in almost all parts of the world, and occurs crystallized in iron in black octahedrons and dodecahedrons; also massive, as well as in the form of sand. See ORES.