Maori Stones with Magnetite

Scientists are studying the Earth's magnetic field using the stones that line Maori steam ovens.The cooking process generates so much heat that the magnetic minerals in these stones will realign themselves with the current field direction. Abandoned stones at these locations could shed light on Earth's magnetic behaviour going back hundreds of years.

"The Maori prefer these volcanic boulders because they don't crack and shatter in the fire, and from our point of view they're the best because magnetically they behave better - they're formed with a high concentration of magnetite," the Wellington scientist said. "But there are some sedimentary rocks which we can use also."

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Maori stones hold magnetic clues

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