Energized Minerals: Rare Earth Magnets

Earth Magnets have been in popular use since the 1970s. Compared to the standard refrigerator magnets, these elements have a far stronger magnetic field. Because they are so brittle, they are usually not sold or used before being plated to strengthen their composition. Often referred to as Rare Earth Magnets, the name is misleading. Instead, the elements: Neodymium and Samarium-cobalt are as common as tin or lead. The uses for these powerful magnets keep them in high demand.

Aside from being used for refrigerator magnets the elements are more effectively put to use in components in computer hard drives, launch roller coaster, speakers and headphones, bike dynamos, and many cordless tools. They have essentially replaced ferrite or alnico magnets that were the known magnetic elements before the 70s. Aside from use as display magnets, ferrite and alnico are the truly rare magnets now.

Earth magnets have been the predominant reason computer hard drives have been able to be made smaller over the past decade. The hard drive uses a magnet to that hovers over a platter in an actuator arm (somewhat like a record player). Sequential alterations in the directional movement of magnetization create patterns that are read as binary. The process is complex; and simply stated, stronger magnets have helped computer designers to utilize smaller space to store the information.

These same earth magnets are used to propel the launch roller coasters, the fastest moving rides in the industry. While the roller coasters are very high maintenance, their popularization due to speed and risk-taking layouts makes them popular wherever they are installed. The new Kingda Ka utilizes a mixture of magnetic motor technology and hydraulic launch power. With the help of magnets, it can reach speeds of 128 miles per hour.

If these magnets did not seem versatile enough, they are currently used as the mechanism that recognizes and plays music through speakers. Their presence in cordless magnetic motor tools gives those motors the longest lasting, most powerful battery available. They seem to have endless applications, and developers of many new products are discovering ways to improve their existing products with the power of neodymium and Samarium-cobalt.

Still, the favored, least complex, and highly entertaining use of these powerful magnets on kitchen refrigerators should not be neglected. Most people are not equipped with the skills and training to design a high-powered roller coaster for a theme park, nor discover the intricacies of building a hard drive, but everyone enjoys a powerful magnetic force on their refrigerator door. The magnets are simple and fun to play with, while containing some of the greatest secret applications of any household product. For now there is no greater attraction than love, but earth magnets are making a case.

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