Which materials are magnetic?

Magnetic metals

Magnetic materials are always made of metal, but not all metals are magnetic.

Iron is magnetic, so any metal with iron in it will be attracted to a magnet. Steel contains iron, so a steel paperclip will be attracted to a magnet too.

Most other metals, for example aluminium, copper and gold, are NOT magnetic.

Two metals that aren't magnetic are gold and silver. They are often used for making jewellery, including crowns for instance.

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