Magnets can be of various types and thus vary their composition. The natural and artificial magnets are the two broad types of magnets.

Natural magnets are composed of the substances created by nature, which have the property of attraction. The earth itself is considered to be the biggest natural magnet. Some other natural magnets are iron ore, magnetite and other iron-pyrites, etc. These magnets are composed of iron and oxygen and also have the property of attracting iron filings.

The force of these natural magnets cannot be increased or decreased as per one`s wish or requirement. It remains the same always. Therefore, the use of the natural magnets is very restricted. The man-made magnets are known as artificial magnets. The force of the artificial magnets can be increased or decreased at different degrees and can be manufactured in various designs.

The artificial magnets can again be divided into two main categories: Electromagnets and Permanent magnets. The electromagnets work when electricity is applied to them and without electricity they have no power of their own to act. The permanent magnets remain permanently magnetised once they are charged with electric current and can be used without electricity applied to them every time they are put to use. The permanent magnets do not lose their magnetism if they are properly preserved with keepers attached to them for many years.