Loders

Loders, also known as lodestones, are naturally occurring pieces of the mineral magnetite, which is a form of iron oxide. They are notable for their unique property of being naturally magnetized, meaning they can attract iron and other ferromagnetic materials. This property has been known since ancient times and was first scientifically described by the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus around 600 BCE. Lodestones are typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and their magnetic properties are due to the alignment of their internal magnetic domains.

The discovery of lodestones led to the development of the earliest known magnetic compasses, which were used for navigation by the Chinese around 2600 BCE. The magnetic properties of lodestones were also used in early compasses by the Greeks and Romans. The word "lodestone" comes from the Old English words "hlod" meaning "stone" and "stan" meaning "stand," reflecting the stone's ability to stand upright when suspended.

Lodestones are not only of historical interest but also have modern applications. They are used in various magnetic devices and experiments, and their magnetic properties are studied in the field of geophysics to understand the Earth's magnetic field. Despite their usefulness, lodestones are relatively rare and are often collected as curiosities or used in educational settings to demonstrate the principles of magnetism.