US scientists confirm altermagnetism in rust, unlocking faster, low-power electronics

US researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory confirmed altermagnetism in hematite, the mineral form of rust.

Using inelastic neutron scattering and modeling, the team observed magnon splitting in its spin waves, strong evidence for this newly recognized third type of magnetism.

The finding suggests hematite could carry charge-free spin currents, a key step toward faster, cooler, low-power spintronic electronics.