Ever wondered where those elusive magnetic treasures hide? Dive in to uncover the magnetic mysteries of our planet!
As you delve deeper into metal detecting, numerous questions will arise in your mind about different metals and materials.
One topic that particularly piqued my curiosity was magnets, especially since they’re rare to find.
Since then, I’ve ensured my metal detector is capable of detecting magnets and I’ve been on a quest for more information about them.
For instance, I’ve wondered about the best places to detect magnets, magnetic minerals, and rocks during metal detecting.
So, I did some digging, and let’s discuss the places where I found magnets the most.
Here are the, Best places to detect magnets metal detecting,
- Igneous rocks
- Sedimentary rocks
- Metamorphic rocks
- Deserts
- Old mines
- Rivers and streams
- Volcanic fields
- Beaches
- Mountains
- Glacial moraines
- Quarries
- Waterways
- Dumpsites
But that’s a lot more to know about each of the above places.
So, in this article, I’ll explore each of the best places to find magnets metal detecting in detail and how to find magnets in those places using the correct techniques.
And for anyone who is looking to detect weird stuff like me, this is for you.
Let’s jump in!
Best Places To Detect Magnets
Most of these locations have naturally made magnets. You will rarely find any magnets around old buildings and parks.
But some locations are able to give you space to find some man-made magnets.
1. Igneous Rocks
Magnetite and pyrrhotite are some of the natural magnetic minerals that can be found in Igneous rocks.
These rocks are a result of volcanic activity and it forms by solidification of the magma.
2. Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks also contain magnetic minerals. But they cannot be found all the time.
These rocks are formed when sediments are settled and hardened for a long period.
3. Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks are a result of transformation due to heat, pressure, or other geological forces.
These rocks therefore can contain magnetic rocks. But it is not a common event.
4. Deserts
Deserts are also rich in magnetic minerals and it also can have formations of magnetic rocks.
Will discuss some of the famous deserts to detect magnetic rocks later.
5. Old Mines
Large amounts of minerals and magnetic rocks can be found in abandoned mines. These are also naturally made most of the time.
6. Rivers and Streams
With time, rivers can wear down and erode rocks. Minerals like magnetite can be deposited in the sediments.
These sediments can be found along the riverbeds.
7. Volcanic Fields
Volcanic areas are very rich in magnetic minerals.
These are fields that have experienced large scales of volcanic activities in the past where minerals such as magnetite, ilmenite and hematite can be found.
8. Beaches
Beaches that have black sand can be good places to search for magnetic minerals and rocks.
And also man-made magnets that are parts of electronic scraps can also be found in shallow areas. This is due to the dumping of waste materials into the sea.
9. Mountains
Mountains that have faced different geological processes such as uplift and faulting can contain magnetic rocks.
10. Glacial Moraines
When glaciers move and melt, a deposit of sediments will be created. These are known as moraines.
These can contain magnetite and maghemite which are magnetic.
11. Quarries
Quarries are man-made environments where rocks are extracted from the earth for different purposes.
These locations can be great for searching for magnetic rocks.
12. Waterways
Lakes, swaps, and ponds can contain magnetic minerals and these can be sedimented over time and create magnetic rocks.
If you have a detector that is waterproof, this is one of the best areas to detect some natural magnets.
13. Dumpsites
If you are specifically looking for man-made magnets, these are the best-suggested locations.
Dumpsites usually have electrical scraps that may contain a lot of magnetic parts.
So if you do a sensitive detection, you’ll be able to find some good magnets.
Now, It’s time to look at the best states, and areas in the US for magnet metal detect.
I’ve personally been to most of the below places and was able to find lots of magnetic treasures.
Best Locations In The USA To Detect Magnets
Here are some of the places that you can use to detect magnets. I have been to California but not specifically for magnet detection.
But there are some fellow people who have detected natural magnets around the area.
You can do more research on these places before going and performing any metal detection.
1. Magnet Cove, Arkansas
This is one of the famous locations among magnet detectors where it’s known to be a place to find different magnetic minerals such as magnetite, pyrrhotite and hematite. The place has a unique magnetic rock formation.
2. Lake County Diamond Mine, Colorado
This location is also a famous spot to hunt for magnetic crystals as well as diamonds.
The detectors are allowed to search for magnetic crystals that are located at 10,000 feet above sea level.
3. Emerald Hollow Mine, North Carolina
This location is popular for detecting emeralds and of course, magnetic rocks.
Detectors are allowed here to detect magnetite as well as weak magnets like biotite.
People can also detect emeralds, topaz and sapphires. But they should inform the authorities before detecting any precious material.
4. Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas
This is one of the places where the public is allowed to detect diamonds or any other metals.
Detectors can search for magnetic minerals such as magnetite and other minerals as well.
5. Herkimer Diamond Mines, New York
Even though this place is famous for Herkimer diamonds, it’s also a place rich with magnetic mineral stones like magnetite and pyrrhotite.
It’s a free place allowed for detection.
6. Ruby Mountain, Montana
This location is popular for finding magnetic sediments like magnetite and hematite.
There are also other precious minerals and gems that can be found here.
7. Ruggles Mine, New Hampshire
This is an abandoned location where detectors can find several types of magnetic deposits.
8. Diamond Hill Mine, South Carolina
This location is famous for finding different metal types and other precious stones.
Magnetite and garnet are some of the magnetic minerals that can be found here.
9. Twin Creek Crystal Mine, Arkansas
This is originally popular for having quartz. But also magnetite and hematite can also be found.
This place is open for visitors who perform detection.
10. Opal Mountain, California
It is a remote location and hunters are able to spot out magnetic minerals like magnetite and jasper.
It’s very hot there and the weather can be hard. So it is advised for visitors to get prepared before coming.
I’ve personally been to most of the above places and able to detect lots of magnetic treasures.
Now I’m going to spread the wings of this article around the world. Let’s find out the best countries to detect magnets.
I’ve personally been to most countries and able to find magnets in given places.
I’ve gathered the magnets detecting places of other countries from the local detectorists in those countries.
Best Locations In The World To Detect Magnets
Magnets are naturally occurring and they can be found in any part of the world.
But some regions have magnetic deposits that are stronger and more widely spread than other parts.
I’ll share details about some of the countries that I have heard of. These countries are popular among the detectors who are into detecting magnets.
1. Canada
Magnetic Hill in Moncton belongs to this country.
It has a very large magnetic deposit. The extensive Canadian Shield geological formation also contains large deposits of magnetic minerals.
2. Russia
The Kursk Magnetic Anomaly which is located in Western Russia is a large magnetic anomaly in the world.
It is caused by large deposits of iron and nickel beneath the surface.
3. Australia
The magnetic island that is located on the coast of Queensland is known for its strong magnetic field that is caused by the large rock formations of magnetite.
4. Brazil
The Amazon rainforest is known to have large deposits of magnetic minerals. And it has strong magnetic fields because of this.
5. Argentina
The Laguna del Carbon is known to be the lowest point of the western hemisphere and is famous for having large deposits of magnetite in the surrounding rock formations.
6. Norway
The coastline along the country is pointed as home to the Viking Triangle, which has a unique magnetic anomaly.
It has large deposits of magnetic minerals and these are believed to be used by Vikings for navigation purposes.
7. South Africa
The Barberton Greenstone Belt is a formation that contains some of the oldest rocks on the earth.
It has large deposits of magnetic iron and magnetite.
8. China
One of the largest sources of magnetic mineral deposits is the Bayan Obo mine in Inner Mongolia.
Here, mining operations also occur in search of minerals that are used to produce magnets.
9. Sweden
The Kiruna mine which is located in Northern Sweden is the world’s largest underground iron ore mine.
It contains large deposits of magnetic minerals including iron.
10. Iceland
Iceland contains large formations of volcanic rocks.
Therefore the country’s landscape contains higher concentrations of magnetic minerals with unique magnetic properties.
All these countries have different rules and regulations when it comes to the transportation of metal detectors and when detecting metals.
So do your own research first before making your trip to any of these countries in search of magnetic minerals and rocks.
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to find magnets metal detecting.
Basically, you can find industrial magnetic items from anywhere, but natural magnetic rocks and minerals are difficult to find and those are the things that I’ve mainly focused on through this article.
The Kursk Magnetic Anomaly in Western Russia is one of the largest known magnetic anomalies in the world, attributed to vast deposits of iron and nickel beneath the surface.
www.rbth.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What types of rocks are magnets most commonly found in?
Magnets, particularly magnetic minerals like magnetite and pyrrhotite, are predominantly found within igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. These formations arise from various geological processes, including solidification of magma, sediment hardening, and transformation due to heat or pressure.
Why are deserts considered good spots for detecting magnetic minerals?
Deserts, owing to their geological history and the processes they undergo, are rich in magnetic minerals and can host formations of magnetic rocks, making them intriguing targets for metal detecting enthusiasts.
Are man-made magnets detectable in natural settings?
While naturally occurring magnets are common finds, man-made magnets, often parts of electronic scraps, can be found especially in places like beaches due to waste dumping, and dumpsites where discarded electronics accumulate.
What makes volcanic fields prime locations for detecting magnetic minerals?
Volcanic fields, rich residues of past volcanic activities, often host minerals such as magnetite, ilmenite, and hematite. The prevalence of these magnetic minerals is attributed to the unique geology of volcanic areas.
Do all countries permit metal detecting for magnetic minerals?
Each country has its regulations regarding metal detecting. Before embarking on a magnetic mineral hunt internationally, it’s vital to research the specific rules and permissions needed for that country to ensure compliance.
How do man-made quarries compare to natural locations for finding magnets?
Quarries, while man-made, are excavations where rocks are extracted for various purposes. These sites can be just as rich in magnetic rocks as many natural locations, given the geological strata they expose.
Are all magnetic minerals detectable using standard metal detectors?
Most metal detectors can detect a range of magnetic minerals; however, the efficiency may vary based on the mineral’s concentration and the detector’s sensitivity. For best results, ensure your detector is calibrated to detect specific magnetic minerals of interest.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Find Magnets Metal Detecting
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best places to find magnets metal detecting by explaining what type of magnetic finds you can detect from each place.
I’ve included the general locations you can detect magnetic treasures, the best states in the US, and also the top locations to find magnetic all around te world. This is a complete guide!
The best places to find magnets while metal detecting include igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, deserts, old mines, rivers, volcanic fields, beaches with black sand, mountains, glacial moraines, quarries, waterways, and dumpsites. These locations either naturally contain magnetic minerals or have accumulations of man-made magnets.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned everything you wanted to know about the best places to find magnets metal detecting with all the tips and techniques.
Now it’s time to book your next travel location and go for magnets treasure hunting with your fellow metal detector! Happy hunting!
