Magnetic & Non-magnetic

 

Only three pure metals are strongly magnetic at room temperature: iron, nickel, and cobalt. 

Here is a breakdown of magnetic metals, alloys, and how magnetism works.

Ferromagnetic Metals (Strongly Magnetic)

These metals are permanently magnetic and stick strongly to magnets. [1, 2, 3]

• Iron: The most common magnetic metal.
• Nickel: Highly magnetic, often used in coins and plating.
• Cobalt: Maintains magnetism at very high temperatures.
• Gadolinium: Magnetic only when cooled below 68°F (20°C). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Magnetic Alloys (Metal Mixtures)

Some mixtures containing the metals above are also magnetic. [1, 2]

• Steel: Magnetic because it is made mostly of iron.
• Alnico: A strong permanent magnet made of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt.
• Neodymium: A mixture of neodymium, iron, and boron that makes the strongest permanent magnets available. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Non-Magnetic Metals

These common metals do not stick to everyday magnets. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Gold
• Silver
• Lead
• Brass & Bronze

The Stainless Steel Exception

Some types of stainless steel are magnetic, while others are not. [1, 2, 3]

• Ferritic/Martensitic stainless steel contains high amounts of iron and is magnetic.
• Austenitic stainless steel contains chromium and nickel, which alters its structure and makes it non-magnetic. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

To help narrow this down, let me know if you are testing a specific object, trying to build a magnet, or sorting scrap metal.