In The Know: What is magnetite sand?

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.