Hematite magnets are some of the most interesting magnets around. And that means something coming from us, as we’re true magnet nerds and have a wide, wide selection of magnets.

Hematite magnets are often shaped into “rattlesnake eggs”—magnets that are designed to rapidly chatter against each other, resulting in a unique buzzing or clicking that sounds like a warning from a threatened rattlesnake. 

But what’s perhaps most interesting is that these hematite magnets don’t come out of the ground ready to be packaged and sold as an amusing toy or for a classroom science experiment. 

Instead, these rattlesnake eggs have to be carefully manufactured, and the science behind it is quite interesting. 

 

Table of Contents

What Is Hematite?

Is Hematite Magnetic?

How Does Magnetite Become Magnetized?

What Is Hematite Used For?

Learn More About Hematite Magnets And Other Products

What Is Hematite?

Hematite is a common iron oxide compound, and it’s found in rocks and soil throughout the world. While you most likely associate it with the color black, it’s also commonly found in nature as red, brown, or gray. 

Hematite is also dense; hematite stones are surprisingly heavy, and they’re also quite hard. 

Is Hematite Magnetic?

No, pure hematite isn’t magnetic. In some cases, hematite samples may have a weak response to magnetic fields, but pure hematite won’t jump out of your hand to slam against another magnet, a white board, a locker, or other nearby objects. 

But hematite can become magnetized, and that can result in fascinating products like the hematite buzzing ball sphere magnets.

How Does Hematite Become Magnetized?

Hematite becomes magnetized when it’s heated (usually between 662°F (350°C) and 1,112°F (600°F)), resulting in the Morin transition, which aligns the magnetic domain within the hematite.

What Is Hematite Used For?

As we’ve already discussed, hematite is commonly used in creating rattlesnake eggs, but you’ll also find hematite in:

  • Paint - Hematite’s vibrant red color made it an early choice for cave paintings, but it’s still used in paints today. 
  • Steel Production - Because hematite is an iron ore, it’s frequently used in steel production. 
  • Jewelry - Polished hematite can make for attractive beads or stones, and its dark, shiny luster once made it especially popular for “mourning” jewelry. 
  • Ship Ballasts - Thanks to its density, hematite is occasionally used in ship ballasts.

Learn More About Hematite Magnets And Other Products

To learn more about magnets and answers to common questions like Is Hematite Magnetic?, check out our blog! The Apex Magnets blog is packed with exciting scientific articles, fun how-to guides, child-friendly experiments, and much, much more. 

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Safety Warning: Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.