Is neodymium naturally magnetic?

In summary, Neodymium is a metal which is ferromagnetic (more specifically, it shows antiferromagnetic properties), meaning that like iron, it can be magnetized to become a magnet, but its Curie temperature (the temperature above which its ferromagnetism disappears) is 19 K (−254 °C), so in pure form its magnetism only appears at extremely low temperatures. However, compounds of neodymium with transition metals such as iron can have Curie temperatures well above room temperature, and these are used to make neodymium magnets. Additionally, although neodymium does not occur naturally as a metal, it can be refined out of the o
  • #1
kolleamm
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Also does it make a better core for an electromagnet than iron does?
 
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  • #2
kolleamm said:
Also does it make a better core for an electromagnet than iron does?
from wiki

Neodymium is a metal which is ferromagnetic (more specifically it shows antiferromagnetic properties), meaning that like iron it can be magnetized to become a magnet, but its Curie temperature (the temperature above which its ferromagnetism disappears) is 19 K (−254 °C), so in pure form its magnetism only appears at extremely low temperatures.[5] However, compounds of neodymium with transition metals such as iron can have Curie temperatures well above room temperature, and these are used to make neodymium magnets.

note it is only naturally magnetic at extremely low temperatures
This is why Nd magnets are a mix of Nd Fe ( Iron) and B (Boron)
Also note that Nd does not occur naturally as a metal, it needs to be refined out of the ores that it is present in

and to answer your specific Q ...
Also does it make a better core for an electromagnet than iron does?

no, it oxidises VERY quickly, even when mixed with iron and boron
it's also toxic and flammable at temps as low as 150C
Dave

edited to fix spelling and grammar
 
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  • #3
davenn said:
from wiki
note it is only naturally magnetic at extremely low temperatures
This is why Nd magnets are a mix of Nd Fe ( Iron) and B (Boron)
Also note that Nd does not occur naturally as a metal, it needs to be refined out of the ores that it is present in

and to answer your specific Q ...no, it oxidises VERY quickly, even when mixed with iron and boron
it's also toxic and flammable at temps as low as 150C
Dave

edited to fix spelling and grammar
Thanks a lot! That pretty much sums it all up.
 
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  • #4
davenn said:
no, [neodymiun] oxidises VERY quickly, even when mixed with iron and boron
it's also toxic and flammable at temps as low as 150C.
Hmm, now I understand why these very strong permanent magnets have to be encased in nickel.

(I bought one some years ago and it still seems to be as strong as ever.)
 
  • #5
strangerep said:
Hmm, now I understand why these very strong permanent magnets have to be encased in nickel.
Yup, I have a cylindrical one here (1/2 " dia. 1" long) that a little of the nickel plating has peeled off and the Nd mix below is oxidising nicely

D
 

1. Is neodymium found in nature?

Yes, neodymium is a naturally occurring element that can be found in the Earth's crust.

2. Why is neodymium magnetic?

Neodymium is magnetic because it has unpaired electrons in its atomic structure, which allows it to create a magnetic field.

3. How strong is neodymium magnetism?

Neodymium magnets are some of the strongest permanent magnets available, with a maximum energy product of up to 52 MGOe (megaGauss-oersteds).

4. Is neodymium the only naturally magnetic element?

No, there are other naturally magnetic elements such as iron, cobalt, and nickel. However, neodymium is one of the strongest naturally magnetic elements.

5. Can neodymium magnets lose their magnetism over time?

Yes, neodymium magnets can lose their magnetism over time due to factors such as exposure to high temperatures, strong magnetic fields, and physical damage. However, they have a relatively high resistance to demagnetization compared to other magnets.

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