answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The first magnets were not invented, but rather were found from a naturally occurring mineral called magnetite. Traditionally, the ancient Greeks were the discoverers of magnetite. There is a story about a shepherd named Magnes whose shoe nails stuck to a rock containing magnetite. There is an alternate story about a region of Macedonia called Magnesia as the starting point. I remember being taught that the Greeks discovered naturally occurring magnets of magnetite in Turkey. Magnetite occurs all over the world, but there are especially large deposits in Scandinavia. The Vikings invented the first practical magnetic compass and used it extensively in their travels to colonize or in war. This enabled them to cross oceans to reach the new world and to invade England at will, even in the dense fog. The Vikings kept the existence of the magnetic compass a secret. The Chinese also invented the magnetic compass, probably earlier than the Vikings. After commercial trade with China was started by the Italians, especially after Marco Polo's trip, the magnetic compass was introduced to the rest of Europe. This made possible the exploration of the oceans by the Europeans, although the Norsemen had a monopoly for almost 500 years and thus a big head start. Today all ships large and small use magnetic compasses to navigate.

The mineral magnetite is an iron oxide that is easily magnetized when it forms. Magnetite is also known as Lodestone.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

The magnet was first discovered in the ancient region of Magnesia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. The word "magnet" itself comes from Magnesia.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Where was the magnet invented?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What country invented the magnet?

No country invented the magnet. Magnets are naturally occurring objects. The Chinese were the first to use a magnet as an aid to navigation.


Who invented the magnet car?

Devin weetman


What did gregon mendel invented?

he did alot because he made magnet electricity


Who invented the eletro magnet?

The electro magnet is a British invention - by the scientist William Sturgeon in 1824. See related link for more details.


When was the first magnetic disk invented and by who?

1981 by a group of scientists who found out the properties of a disc magnet


Who invented the elctromagnet-Will sturgeon or Andre ampere?

An electromagnet is a magnet in which the magnetic field is made by an electrical current. William Sturgeon, an English physicist and inventor, invented the first electromagnets.


Who invented the electron particle magnet?

Nicholas Morreau Nicholas Morreau was a Soviet Scientist during 1943 who invented the first Electron Particle Magnet. He was never seen or heard of. He died at the age of 42 from Radiation and contamination while working on an experiment in his laboratory in 1948. His body was never found and he never married.


What is Something that has two poles is describes as?

A magnet. It is described as a Magnet.


Why does a mineral magnet stick to a magnet?

a mineral magnet can stick to a magnet because a mineral magnet has to poles the north and the south poles


Making a magnet with another magnet?

if you have a magnet and a magnetic matereal, rub the magnet from one end of it to the other. do this several times and it will eventualy be a magnet.


Is magnet a forcewhy?

No, a magnet is a physical object. However, a magnet can EXERT a force.


Can a magnet move a car?

A magnet can move a car, if the magnet is strong enough.