Mineral Magnetization
Introduction
Mineral magnetization is a relatively recently discovered technology, which makes possible a new form of magnetism. This process involves an alteration of the atomic spins of certain minerals, specifically those involving iron. When certain conditions are met, an electrical field causes the magnetic moments of the atoms within these substances to align in a specific direction. This causes a resulting magnetic field, which can be used in a number of applications.
Background
Mineral magnetization first became widely known in the mid 19th century when the properties of magnetism and of minerals containing iron were studied together. It was eventually discovered that electricity could be used to temporarily magnetize various ferromagnetic minerals. This initial research was followed up by numerous studies on the same topic across the world. It was not until the mid 20th century that mineral magnetization began to be further developed and applied on a wider scale.
The basic principle behind mineral magnetization is fairly simple. A mineral containing iron in some form is subjected to a relatively low frequency pulse of electrical current. This current creates a magnetic field, which then causes the iron present to align its magnetic moments in the direction of the electric field. By adjusting the parameters of the electrical field, the degree of magnetization in the mineral can be modified as needed.
Applications
Mineral magnetization is used in a number of applications. One of the most common is in the production of electromagnets. An electromagnet is essentially a mineral that has been partially magnetized using a specific set of electric field conditions. These electromagnets can be used in a number of applications, such as electric motors and generators, refrigerators and loudspeakers.
Another use of mineral magnetization is in magnetic therapy. This involves exposing a patient to a carefully controlled electric field for a specific amount of time. This field creates a magnetic force within the body, which then has an effect on various conditions. By varying the parameters of the electric field, the degree of effect can be adjusted as needed.
Conclusion
Mineral magnetization is an important technology, which has a range of applications. By controlling the parameters of an electric field, minerals containing iron can be magnetized and used for various purposes. This technology is widely used in the creation of electromagnets and in the field of magnetic therapy, and is likely to see even more uses in the future.
