The magnetic and thermal conductive properties of matter depend upon the properties of the individual atoms that make up that matter.

Magnetism involves unpaired electrons. (see Britannia for definitions)

• Ferromagnetic materials are the most magnetically active substances in the world.
• Atoms, ions, or compounds in which at least one orbital is singly occupied can have a net magnetic moment. Such substances are said to be paramagnetic and are attracted into a magnetic field.
• Substances in which all of the electrons are paired are repelled by a magnetic field and are classified as diamagnetic.