The history of magnetism dates back to the 600 BCE, where we find mention of Lodestone in the work of Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus. Early lodestone, found in the Greek region of Magnesia, Anatolia is where the modern name “magnet” is derived.

When was the first magnet found?

The history of magnets begins with the first discoveries of magnetic stones or lodestones – starting from 1845 this kind of stone was called magnetite.

Who discovered magnet for the first time?

Roughly 4,000 years ago, a Greek shepherd named Magnes is said to have been tending his sheep in a region of northern Greece called Magnesia. He took a step and suddenly found that the nails that held his shoe together and the metal tip of his staff were stuck fast to the rock he was standing on!