One of the quick easy ways to identify certain metals is through a magnet. Although iron and steel may share the commonality of being attractive to magnets, there are others, such as aluminum and gold, that are not. Here's a closer look at how a magnet interacts with aluminum as well as how you can test for gold with a magnet. Are Aluminum Magnets Possible? No, aluminum is a nonferrous metal, meaning it does not contain iron and is not attracted to magnets. Strong neodymium magnets aren't able to attract aluminum, but an aluminum-based material can produce an interesting interaction when subjected to a passing motion by a strong magnet. A small electric current is induced in the aluminum magnet by a passing magnet, causing a small resistance-an effect sometimes used in braking systems and demonstrating principles of electromagnetism. Testing for Gold Using a Magnet Gold magnet test is another metal that is not magnetic. Pure gold cannot be attracted to a magnet, so magnetic...