FeIIFeIII2O4

FeIIFeIII2O4 is the chemical formula for magnetite, a mineral and one of the main components of iron ore. It is a member of the spinel group, with the general formula AB2O4, where A is a divalent cation and B is a trivalent cation. In magnetite, Fe2+ is the divalent cation and Fe3+ is the trivalent cation. It is also known as iron(II,III) oxide.

Magnetite is black or brownish-black in color and has a metallic luster. It is the most magnetic of all the naturally occurring minerals on Earth. The mineral is relatively hard, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. It is insoluble in water and most acids.

Magnetite is found in various geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is also a common component of meteorites. Large deposits of magnetite are mined as iron ore, as it is a primary source of iron for industrial use. It is also used in pigments, as a catalyst, and in magnetic recording media.

The magnetic properties of magnetite are due to the arrangement of iron ions in its crystal structure. The Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions are located in both tetrahedral and octahedral sites within the spinel lattice. This mixed-valence state and specific crystallographic arrangement lead to its strong ferromagnetic behavior.