The Natural Power Of Earth Magnets

Earth is the source of the best, strongest and most durable forms of magnets. Mined from the ground and appropriately named earth magnets, these lodestones are composed of alloys from different elements in the ground. These natural stones produce a strong magnetic field which has sometimes reached more than 1/4 teslas. A magnetic field of this strength is considered significant, considering that most magnets only manage a force of 0.5 - 1 tesla.

Although earth magnets tend to be magnetically stronger than other types of magnets, they are quite fragile and brittle. Without proper care and protection, they are also susceptible to corrosion. If they come with a coating or plating, this may peel or break off over time. Two major types of earth magnets include samarium-cobalt and neodymium. Although neither one is rare or considered precious, they can sometimes be called rare earth magnets.

Magnets in their pure form exhibit the most strength when exposed to low temperatures because they have a low Curie temperature. This is the temperature at which magnetism is lost. The Curie temperature of the material rises and its magnetic strength increases when an element is bound to a transition metal such as iron, cobalt and nickel. Earth magnets are quite strong, in fact, they are stronger than most ordinary magnets. As such, care should be taken when they are used because of the risks involved. Two earth magnets can physically harm any body part that is placed between them and large magnets can sometimes break bones. Two magnets that are placed at close proximity may collide forcefully and break, hitting something or someone in the room. Ingesting a magnet can have an adverse effect on the digestive tract. Magnetic field produced by the magnets can also damage electronic gadgets and objects such as those that contain a magnetic strip, including credit cards and computer disks. If these come in contact with a magnet, any electronic data they may contain will be erased.

There are many uses for earth magnets. They can be utilized as parts of a computer hard drive, cordless tools, sudio speakers, headphones, fishing reels and bicycle dynamos. They can also be used with self-powering flashlights, which can generate power by manual shaking. Earth magnets can also be used with electric wind belts, electrodynamic bearings, superconductor levitation and LED throwies. And yes, they also have a part to play in fun and recreation since they are often utilized to build roller coasters and produce electric guitar pick-ups.


Magnetic attraction may seem mysterious because it can not be seen readily. Elemental earth magnets are remarkably and naturally strong, qualities that lend them an almost mystical power. These magnets were first developed decades ago, in the 70s and 80s and they continue to remain useful today. Note that while these are capable of magnetic attraction, these magnets are not for recreational use due to their substantive power.