Question

magnetite was used for finding directions in ancient times. give reasons.​

Answer 1

Answer:

A lodestone is a naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite.[1][2] They are naturally occurring magnets, which can attract iron. The property of magnetism was first discovered in antiquity through lodestones.[3] Pieces of lodestone, suspended so they could turn, were the first magnetic compasses,[3][4][5][6] and their importance to early navigation is indicated by the name lodestone, which in Middle English means "course stone" or "leading stone",[7] from the now-obsolete meaning of lode as "journey, way".[8]

Lodestone is one of only a very few minerals that is found naturally magnetized.[1] Magnetite is black or brownish-black, with a metallic luster, a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5 and a black streak.

Answer 2

Magnetite was used for finding direction in ancient times, because -

• The magnetite is one of the most available naturally magnetic minerals which has properties like a normal magnet.

• And,this magnetic nature of the magnetite,also enables the the north-south direction showing capabilities which is useful for finding direction.

• Also,the ancient people cannot make artificial magnets for the compass making,and that's why they were dependent on the magnetite.