A permanent magnet is a magnet because of the orientation of its

domains. Domains are the small magnetic field inherent in the

crystalline structure of ferromagnetic materials. Ferromagnetic

materials are the only substances capable of being made into magnets

they are normally iron, nickel, or alloys that are made or rare-earth

metals. A magnet is created when certain condition cause separate

domains in a ferromagnetic item to be all aligned in the same

direction. However the method used in most cases weak magnets can only

be made. This is normally by direct contact with a naturally magnetic

material or by running an electric current through it. However in the

case of a field produced by rubbing it against a strong magnet is too

weak and will fade over time as the domains return to their original

positions.

The main way that permanent magnets are created is by heating a

ferromagnetic material to a key high temperature. The temperature is

specific to each kind of metal but it has the effect of aligning and “

fixing” the domains of the magnet in a permanent position. It is

conjectured that this same process inside the Earth is what creates

natural permanent magnets.

Permanent magnets are important for their industrial uses especially

when it comes to power generation and electric motors. The induction

process for turbines and generators needs permanent magnets to turn

mechanical motion into energy. They are also important for electric

motors in many electronics using the reverse of the induction of

electric current to make mechanical energy. As you can see without the

permanent magnet we would not be able to take full advantage of the

capabilities of electricity in modern devices.