Scientists have confirmed the existence of altermagnets in abundant minerals, opening a new chapter in physics and computing. Altermagnets represent a recently proposed third class of magnetic materials, distinct from both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets.
In altermagnets, electron spins align in opposite directions like antiferromagnets, but with a key difference. The crystal structure creates a pattern that allows pure spin currents to flow without a net magnetic moment. This combination means altermagnets can operate at terahertz speeds while maintaining robust spin properties that are essential for next-generation computing.
The confirmation in abundant minerals is significant because it means the materials can be sourced at scale without relying on rare earth elements. This could make spintronic devices, which use electron spin rather than charge to process information, commercially viable for the first time.
Scientific American featured altermagnets as one of its top stories for May 2026, noting that the discovery could change both physics and computing. Researchers say altermagnets could enable faster and more energy-efficient memory devices, sensors, and processors.
Other recent scientific advances include the identification of a new molecule-trapping crystal formed in the 1945 Trinity nuclear test, and research showing that three billion years ago Earth's life relied on a rare metal.