Magnetite is the ore of the oxide mineral magnetite. It has a flat magnetism and a pungent salty taste. It is believed to have the effects of nourishing the heart and calming the mind, treating symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, asthma, epilepsy, and agitation. Magnetic Zhu Pills, a traditional Chinese medicine, mainly consist of magnetite, cinnabar, and Shenqu, and they function to calm the mind and nourish yang. It is important to be aware of the presence of fake magnetite on the market, which is a mixture of hematite and brown iron ore, and cannot be used as a substitute for genuine magnetite.
Genuine Magnetite:
Genuine magnetite is irregularly shaped and often has sharp edges. It varies in size. The surface is iron black to brownish-brown, opaque, and has a metallic luster. Some may lack luster or be covered with a small amount of brown powder. Some are rough and have a few needle-like pores. Some contain impurities of yellow or other colors. It is heavy, hard, and difficult to break. The fracture surface is uneven and gray-black. It has strong magnetism and the ability to attract iron. It has a slight earthy odor and no taste when tasted. When heated to 480°C, the magnetism suddenly disappears and then recovers after cooling. Magnetite is insoluble in water and nitric acid, but soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the solution appears clear yellow, showing various special reactions of iron compounds.
Fake Magnetite:
Fake magnetite is a mixture of hematite and brown iron ore. It has an irregular block shape, with some having less distinct or slightly smooth edges. The surface is brownish-brown to brown, with a metallic luster that may be less pronounced or smoother in some cases. It is heavy, hard, and difficult to break, with a grainy fracture surface and visible yellowish-white or gray-black impurities. It has no magnetism and does not have the ability to attract iron.
Fake iron ore does not have magnetism and does not possess the various effects of magnetite, therefore it cannot be used as a substitute for medicinal magnetite.
