Abstract
Magnetic enhancement in Chinese loess is thought to be caused by formations of magnetic grains during pedogenesis. However, there is no mineralogical study confirming it. Here we show the results of XRD and SEM/TEM study of magnetic grains in Chinese loess. Magnetic grains (hematite and magnetite) exist mainly as nano inclusions in muscovite and occupy < 1% of the total loess volume. The magnetic grains were probably formed in situ during pedogenesis and responsible for the magnetic enhancement.