Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Science

Aligned graphite particles unlock stable levitation above magnets, study finds

A diamagnetic substance is slightly repelled by magnetic fields. With a strong enough magnet, the diamagnetic force can override gravity, and the substance will float in the air. Graphite, the main component of pencil lead, is considered one of the best substances for such real-world levitation, and...

Aligned graphite particles unlock stable levitation above magnets, study finds
Image: Phys.org
A diamagnetic substance is slightly repelled by magnetic fields. With a strong enough magnet, the diamagnetic force can override gravity, and the substance will float in the air. Graphite, the main component of pencil lead, is considered one of the best substances for such real-world levitation, and its potential application in sensing weak external perturbations is drawing growing interest.

Originally published at Phys.org

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