Anisotropy in the basal plane of hematite single crystals

Abstract

Abstract A sixfold torque curve, indicative of a triaxial anisotropy, has been found in the basal plane of some natural hematite single crystals. The anisotropy constant K obtained from the torque varied from 7 ergs/cm3 to 188 ergs/cm3 over the range of samples. Associated magnetic measurements on these crystals included remanence as a function of angle, moment, coercive force, susceptibility and rotational hysteresis.