We try our best to warn customers about the negative effects that come with storing your magnets in extremely hot settings. While overly hot temperatures (more than 176 degrees Fahrenheit for Neodymium magnets) can cause your magnets to lose their magnetic properties, some people believe cold temperatures have the opposite effect. One popular rumor is that cool temperatures can make your magnets even stronger. Is it truly a rumor or is this a fun fact about magnets? 

Is It True?

If someone told you that a magnet gets stronger in the cold… They were right!

 

Why is this the case? Well, when neodymium & samarium cobalt magnets get cold, their atoms move slower since the kinetic energy decreases. This also results in less vibration, meaning that the magnetic field can become more centralized. In turn, the magnets get a few percentage points stronger as the temperature goes down.  

 

According to experts, magnets will continue to work until they reach -202 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Ceramic Magnets

While neodymium magnets can flourish in cold temperatures, the same cannot be said for ceramic magnets. Due to their buildup, a ceramic magnet’s field actually gets smaller as they cool down which can make them more susceptible to cracking. 

Read More About Magnets

If you are interested in learning more about magnets, their properties, and more, visit our FAQs page or glossary. These resources will help you understand how these useful tools work before making your purchase. Whether you are a novice or a DIY expert, you can buy the magnets you need for your next project or experiment right here on our website. Need help? Just call us at 1-304-257-1193.