Magnetite
Magnetite also known as
lodestone or
loadstone, is a
magnetic mineral form of iron (II, III) oxide, one of several iron oxides. Greyish black or iron in colour, with a metallic appearance and a
hardness of 5.5 to 6.
The magnetic properties led to lodestones being used as an early form of magnetic compass.
See also: Ferrite, Haematite