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Lodestone:
Multiple Oxide (Iron oxide; sometimes contains small amounts of manganese, nickel, chromium, and titanium) Fe3O4 AKA: Magnetite |
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System: Isometric; usually octahedrons, sometimes dodecahedrons with striations; also massive, coarse or fine granular, lamellar. Appearance: Iron-black, metallic; streak black. Physical Properties: Hardness: (5.5 - 6.5); Specific gravity: (4.9 - 5.2). Cleavage: None, may have octahedral parting in four directions; Fracture subconchoidal, uneven; strongly magnetic; brittle. Similar species: Lodestone has darker streak than ilmenite, and is more magnetic than chromite and franklinite. Occurrence: Lodestone is one of the most abundant and widespread of all oxide minerals and occurs in a wide variety of environments. In general it is a common constituent of many igneous rocks, including diorite, gabbro, monzonite, and nepheline synite, and of many clastic sedimentary rocks. It occurs more specifically associated with hedenbergite and andradite in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks; with almandine, talc, and andradite in talc schist and quartzine of regional metamorphic rocks; with calcite, andradite, and chlorite in skarn of hydrothermal metamorphic rocks; and with barite and fluorite in massive and lode hydrothermal replacement deposits. Because of its widespread distribution throughout North America, only those localities from which noteworthy material has been obtained will be mentioned; Ontario, Nova Scotia, New York, Vermont, New Mexico, Utah, and California. Miscellaneous: Some lodestone is naturally magnetized and will attract small pieces of iron and steel. In the discussion of metaphysical attributes, loadstone has the property of magnetism, whereas magnetite does not. The name derives from Magnesia, an ancient district bordering on Macedonia. Lodestone is an important ore of iron. Conventional Wisdom: The natural magnetism of lodestone was noticed early in the history of civilization. The obvious attraction between lodestone and iron encouraged expressions of the wish for some other attraction, frequently sexual. Prostitutes used to wear lodestone to attract customers. East Indian kings were crowned on lodestone seats, to attract gifts and affection. A temple of Venus and Mars described by Claudian (fifty century AD) had a lodestone image of the Goddess and an iron image of her consort, they celebrated the sacred marriage by allowing the two statues to rush together. Chinese called lodestone t'su shi "loving stone". In Sanskrit, its name was chumbaka, "the kisser". The name lodestone was originally "lead stone," because of the mineral's use as a direction finder. A fourteenth-century alchemist, Rabbi Benoni, thought that lodestone would cause sleepwalking, and when combined with diamond and sapphire in an amulet, it would attract such powerful planetary spirits as to render the bearer almost invisible. Leonardus believed that lodestone would not only cure gout and cramps, by drawing out the pain, but also reconcile estranged lovers and spouses. Through the centuries it has been used as a cure for male sexual dysfunctions. For better sexual performance, men were told to rub their genitals with oil into which lodestone had been dipped. Sometimes it worked, probably owing to the oil rather than the stone. Some men in Mexico still believe that wearing a lodestone in the belt buckle will guarantee not only sexual success but also success in other areas, such as gambling and business deals. Women believe that lodestone worn on a coral necklace will bring about easy childbirth and draw back philandering husbands. It is widely thought that lodestone set in silver will improve the eyesight; set in gold, it strengthens the heart. Related to (and works like) hematite for grounding, clear thinking, focus (detail work, decisions, etc.). Electromagnetically pulls toxic blocks and pain from energy meridians, pancreas, and lower glands. Old story of its use for faithfulness test: Unfaithful one is said to fall out of bed if touched by this stone. Belongs to the Astrological Signs of Virgo and Gemini. |