The process of magnetization by chemical change

Abstract

In this paper the well-known processes of magnetization of rocks are discussed and compared and contrasted with the magnetization formed when a ferromagnetic mineral undergoes a chemical change within the influence of an external magnetic field. The thermal stability of the ‘chemical-magnetization’ so produced is examined and compared with the magnetizations produced isothermally and thermo-remanently in iron oxides under similar field conditions. The theoretical aspects of such a process of magnetization are considered and the nature of the resulting magnetization is accounted for theoretically. Possible applications in rock magnetic studies are also discussed.