Incompatible magnetic behaviour of fine-grained natural haematite samples prepared in similar ways

Summary The results of a magnetic study of two batches of sized natural haematite fractions (from Kada, Czech Republic) are reported. One of the sample batches was prepared by ultrasonic micro precision sieving in propanon (acetone), the other in ethanol (alcohol). Surprisingly, the magnetic behaviour of the ethanol-sieved fractions was much softer (e.g. H_cr 20 kA/m) as compared with the propanon-sieved fractions (H_cr > 200 kA/m). Thermomagnetic measurements suggest a maghemite portion is present in the material used for the preparation of the ethanol-sieved samples. Possible causes of this puzzling behaviour are discussed. However, no definite conclusion can be drawn on the basis of the data presently available.Presented at 3rd Biennial Meeting on New Trends in Geomagnetism, Smolenice Castle, West Slovakia, June 22–29, 1992.