GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A lodestone is a naturally magnetised piece of the mineral magnetic. They are naturally occurring, magnets which can attract iron. The property of magnetism was first discovered in antiquity through lodestone the ancient people used this lodestone as a compass for navigation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Magnetic rocks, called magnetite or lodestone, were discovered by ancient Greeks. They were discovered in a region of Asia Minor called Magnesia. These rocks attracted pieces of iron, and this naturally occurring material began the study of magnetism.

Detailed explanation-3: -Such rocks were given the name magnetite, perhaps after the name of that shepherd. Magnetite contains iron. Some people believe that magnetite was first discovered at a place called Magnesia. The substances having the property of attracting iron are now known as magnets.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lodestones are composed of magnetite, a mineral form of iron oxide. Like other types of magnetite, they are hard, black and shiny, but lodestones are special because they are naturally magnetised, thanks to the effects of lightning. Lodestone was well known to the ancients because it attracted iron.

Detailed explanation-5: -One of the first references to lodestone’s magnetic properties is by 6th century BCE Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus who is credited by the ancient Greeks with discovering lodestone’s attraction to iron and other lodestones. The name “magnet” may come from lodestones found in Magnesia (Anatolia).