Classification of Magnets

Classification of Magnets

Magnets are classified into two types. They are natural magnets and artificial magnets.

1. Natural Magnets

Magnets found in the nature are called natural magnets. They are permanent magnets i.e., they will never lose their magnetic power. These magnets are found in different places of the earth in the sandy deposits. Lodestone called magnetite (Iron oxide) which is the ore of iron is the strongest natural magnet. Minerals like Pyrrhotite (Iron Sulphide), Ferrite and Coulumbite are also natural magnets.

There are three types of iron ores. They are: Hematite (69% of Iron), Magnetite (72. 4% of Iron) and Siderite (48.2% of Iron). Magnetiteis an oxide ore of iron with the formula Fe3O4 . Among these ores, magnetite has more magnetic property.

2. Artificial Magnets

Magnets that are made by people in the laboratory or factory are called artificial magnets. These are also known as man-made magnets, which are stronger than the natural magnets. Artificial magnets can be made in various shapes and dimensions. Bar magnets, U-shaped magnets, horseshoe magnets, cylindrical magnets, disc magnets, ring magnets and electromagnets are some examples of artificial magnets.

Artificial magnets are usually made up of iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, etc. Alloy of the metals Neodynium and Samarium are also used to make artificial magnets.

Know Your Scientist

William Gilbert laid the foundation for magnetism and suggested that the Earth has a giant bar magnet. William Gilbert was born on 24th May 1544. He was the first man who performed the systematic research on the properties of the lodestone (magnetic iron ore) and published his findings in the influential ‘De Magnete’ (The Magnet).