Lode Stone

A lode stone was a navigational device created using a naturally magnetised metal, 'magnetite'. When suspended, the stone would be drawn towards the earth’s magnetic pole and spin to face north. Geologists are still unsure exactly how they became magnetised, but it is widely attributed to the strong magnetic fields that surround lightning bolts. This theory is supported by the fact that magnetite tends to be found close to the earth’s surface.