On the Magnetism of the Normal State in MgB2

The experimentally observed ferromagnetism in MgB2 in the normal state is attributed to micro phase separated inclusions of iron. This magnetic character is also observed when the iron content of the samples is reduced below 20 micro-g/g, however in these samples the diamagnetism of MgB2 is apparent and is measured. It is found experimentally that the diamagnetic susceptibility at room temperature of B element, MgB2 and MgB4 is close to the ratio 1:2:4, suggesting that the diamagnetism in these borides is confined to the boron atoms. This observation supports a picture in which the two electrons of Mg are donated to B in MgB2