Magnetite properties

With respect to magnetic properties, the intrinsic magnetic susceptibiHty of pure chrysotile is very weak. However, the presence of associated minerals such as magnetite, as weU as substitution ions (Fe, Mn), increases the magnetic susceptibiHty to values around 6 x 10 m /kg. With amphiboles, the magnetic susceptibiHty is much higher, mainly because of the high iron content typically, amosite and crocidoHte exhibit susceptibiHty values of 100 and 75 X 10 m /kg, respectively (23). 

The sensitive dependence of the electrical and magnetic properties of spinel-type compounds on composition, temperature, and detailed cation arrangement has proved a powerful incentive for the extensive study of these compounds in connection with the solid-state electronics industry. Perhaps the best-known examples are the ferrites, including the extraordinary compound magnetite Fc304 (p. 1080) which has an inverse spinel structure (Fe )t[Fe Fe ]o04. 

Zhao, S. and Asuha, S. (2010) One-pot synthesis of magnetite nanopowders and their magnetic properties. Powder Technology, 197 (3), 295-297. 

The redox properties of these systems are vitally important for possible abiotic chemical syntheses the main minerals present in young basalt ocean basins, at depths between 300 and 1,300 m, are pyrite (FeS2), pyrrhotite (FeS) and magnetite (Fe3C>4) (the PPM system). 

At greater depths, the redox characteristics are mainly determined by another mineral system fayalite (Fe2Si04), magnetite and quartz (Si02) (theFMQ system). The buffer properties of the two systems can be expressed in terms of the following equations ... 

Its inert behavior towards numerous chemical compounds and its adsorbent properties (responsible for the retention of volatile or sublimable organic compounds), make graphite the choice support for thermal reactions. Among its impurities, magnetite was revealed to be an active catalyst, and some reactions can be performed without any added catalyst. Two processes are then possible, the graphite-supported reaction ( dry process), and the reaction in the presence of a small amount of graphite (solid-liquid medium). 

Micro- and nanobeads with magnetic properties have recently become popular since these tools can be manipulated, e.g., collected in the region of interest. Magnetite nanoparticles are introduced in order to render the polymeric beads magnetic. Preparation and application of magnetic beads will be discussed in more detail in Sect 5.5. 

Precipitation was found to be a very useful method for preparation of nanobeads with magnetic properties [17] since not only indicators but also small lipophilic magnetite nanobeads (having diameter of a few nanometers) can be incorporated inside the polymeric beads. Such multifunctional magnetic beads can be guided to the region of interest, be collected and manipulated there. 

Eggar-Gibbs ZG, Jude B, Dominik J, Loizeau JL, Oldfield F (1999) Possible evidence for dissimilatory bacterial magnetite dominating the magnetic properties of recent lake sediments. Earth Planet Sci Lett 168 1-6... 

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