In The Know: What is magnetite sand?

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Magnetite, as the name implies, is a dense and magnetic mineral. Magnetite sand is literally black sand, indicating a high concentration of magnetite in the offshore areas of a body of water like a river, according to the website, www.geology.com.

Magnetite is valuable for industrial processes because it helps separate sulfur coal or iron for the steel industry.

Magnetite can also serve as a “toner in electrophotography, as a micronutrient in fertilizers, as a pigment in paints [and] as an aggregate in high-density concrete,” the website says.

In the Philippines, environmental groups have objected to quarry operations that target magnetite sand. The Katinnulong Daguiti Umili iti Amianan Inc. believes extracting magnetite sand depletes and erodes the coastal areas.

Follow Us

Recent Stories:

• At least 91 dead as massive tornado strikes Oklahoma city
• CA stops gov’t from pursuing smuggling case vs Phoenix Petroleum
• Aquino rejects new Charter change bid
• 6.0 quake off Russia’s far-east Kamchatka coastline – USGS
• Fire destroys oil mill in Iligan City
• Oklahoma twister tracked path of 1999 tornado
• North Korea releases detained Chinese fishermen—Xinhua
• No new H7N9 cases in China for a week—government
• Tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb
• 6 soldiers hurt in land mine blast on Mindanao highway

Tags: magnetite sand , News , Regions