Most matter is composed of molecules, which are made up of atoms, and atoms consist of a nucleus and electrons. Within an atom, electrons spin and orbit around the nucleus. Both of these movements generate magnetism. However, in most substances, the directions of electron movement are varied and disorganized, with their magnetic effects canceling each other out. Consequently, most substances do not exhibit magnetism under normal circumstances.

Iron, cobalt, nickel, or ferrites, among other ferromagnetic materials, differ in that their internal electron spins can spontaneously align within a small range, forming a spontaneously magnetized region known as a magnetic domain.

After magnetization, ferromagnetic materials align their magnetic domains neatly and in the same direction, enhancing the magnetic properties, thereby forming a magnet. The process of attracting iron by a magnet is the same as the magnetization of the iron block. The magnetized iron block and the magnet's opposite poles attract each other, causing the iron block to firmly "stick" to the magnet. We say that the magnet has magnetic properties.