British physicist William Gilbert was the first to create an iron magnet, or “little Earth,” and also described more than 600 experiments. However, people learned about magnetism thousands of years ago.
Today, magnets are often made in factories by heating certain metals, such as iron or nickel, and then exposing them to a strong magnetic field. This process creates the actual magnet itself by aligning the magnetic properties of the material in one direction. But the truth is that long before we started making magnets in 1600, humanity remained interested in magnetism for centuries. According to IFLScience, it all started with a special rock known as a “lodeston.”
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Lodeston, a type of magnetite, is a relatively common mineral that attracts magnets. However, under certain conditions, it can naturally become magnetized, turning into a rare and mystical item.
How does this transformation occur in nature?
Scientists conducted an experiment on South Bald Mountain near Socorro, New Mexico. They used lightning rods to attract lightning to magnetite samples. Surprisingly, this caused the rock to become magnetized and shed light on the mysterious process of rock magnetization. This also explains why lodestone is found on the surface rather than underground.
Interestingly, the legend of Lodeston dates back to ancient times. Roman philosopher and naturalist Pliny the Elder mentioned this in his works. He shared the story of “the shepherd Magnes” who came across a rock while grazing his flocks.
The remarkable part of the story was that the nails of his shoes and the tip of his staff stuck to the stone, creating a magnetic attraction. This story dates back to 77-79 AD. e., but people knew about Lodeston long before that.
Important
The first mention of the magnetic properties of the stone dates back to B.C., when the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus noticed that iron was attracted to it. It dates back to 600 BC. B.C. There are also mentions about magnetism in the Chinese book called The Book of the Lord of the Devil’s Valley, dating back to the 4th century.
But only in the 12th century AD. to. Lodeston was used for the important invention of the compass. This turning point in history revolutionized navigation and opened new horizons for exploration.
In conclusion, the history of magnets and strange stones teaches us that even the most magical events have a scientific explanation. This knowledge has profoundly impacted our world, from navigating vast oceans to powering countless modern technologies.
So the next time you buy a magnet, remember that its history is full of wonders and discoveries – from children’s games to lightning strikes and more.
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Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.