Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism

Diamagnetic minerals have a small negative χ(m/h) value and are slightly repelled by the magnetic field. In contrast, paramagnetic minerals have a small positive χ(m/h) value and are weakly attracted by the magnetic field.

Paramagnetism is related to the spins of electrons while diamagnetism is related to their distribution in space. Diamagnetism is a property possessed by all atoms. However, when the atom contains an odd number of electrons or has a missing electron "shell" (as in transition elements), the imbalance of electron spins causes the paramagnetic effect to lower the diamagnetic portion of the total magnetic susceptibility.

Structures containing iron in minerals are paramagnetic. However, there are paramagnetic minerals that do not contain iron.

Differences in magnetic susceptibility are sufficient to achieve separation using high-density magnetic separators (eg AKSA MAGNET - YMS).