Lodestone is a naturally magnetized mineral, meaning that it creates its own magnetic field and can be used to pick up small metal objects. This is evident from the small iron particles covering the surface of this mineral. As an iron oxide, lodestone's characteristic black color can give way to a rusty yellow or orange. These samples are fantastic as an introduction to geology, and can also be used to teach mineral chemistry and crystallography. Samples are approximately 1" long and come in a labeled plastic bag.