Ferromagnetism and exchange bias in compressed ilmenite-hematite solid solution as a source of planetary magnetic anomalies

Abstract

We propose a compressed ilmenite-hematite solid solution as a new potential source of Earth’s magnetic anomalies. The 0.5FeTiO 3 ·0.5Fe 2 O 3 solid solution compressed by collision synthesis with super-high-energy ball milling showed a decrease in molar volume of approximately 1.8%. Consequently, the sample showed a saturation magnetization of 1.5 ampere square meter per kilogram (Am 2 /kg) at 300 kelvin, a Curie temperature of 990 kelvin, and a magnetic exchange bias below 100 kelvin, e.g., 1.7 × 10 5 ampere per meter at 60 kelvin. Ilmenite-hematite solid solutions are common mineral systems in most mafic igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the compressive force in the rocks is generated by the high pressure in the upper mantle or by shock events with high pressure such as the collision of these rocks with meteorites. Therefore, we consider that the compressed ilmenite-hematite solid solution is an additional candidate source of other planetary magnetic anomalies including those in the Moon and Earth.