Every element (in the periodic system) is magnetic. However, there are three main levels or domains of magnetism. The smallest effect is know as diamagnetism and is a property of elements like antimony, bismuth, copper, carbon but also phosphorus and hydrogen. Paramagnetism has an intermediate value, about two orders of magnitude higher than diamagnetism. Paramagnetism is seen in e.g. aluminum, zinc, liquid oxygen but also in glass and rubber. The largest magnetic effect is known as ferromagnetism. This is, in our daily life, the most common form of magnetism. The only elements with ferromagnetic properties are iron, cobalt, and nickel. Ferromagnetism is about 10⁹ times larger compared to diamagnetism.

Ferro and paramagnetic elements may easily be levitated in low gradient magnetic fields. This system is used in various commercial products. To elevate diamagnetic materials, however, much higher field strengths and field gradients are necessary. In such a high power magnet organic materials or even living biological samples may be elevated, thereby counteracting the force of gravity.
Although the various systems have their specific limitations, for some small samples this microweight 'simulation' may be used to study living samples in preparation of a real microweight experiment.

Perfectly spherical water droplet in a high gradient magnetic field.