hmmm I wonder if certain ways it is handled (like when they weld it or use plasma cutters on it) can affect its magnetism? Either way the interaction you had with it as a kid I would def say it is one of your own specific minerals. makes you wonder if maybe your low on iron in you system for all of a sudden this to catch your attention? As soon as I read your post it made me think that if we have animal guides why not many other things as well? Elements, minerals crystals etc...
2nd thing that came to mind was monkey blood

... I looked back to see what from my childhood that stood out mineral wise and it was iodine...
(mecuracom A.K.A. Monkey Blood) that your grandma would paint on any scraps you would get and it immediately meshed with why my thyroid is low... is low IODINE, that's what made me think you might want to make sure your getting enough iron or make sure your not getting to much! Make sense? Or an I off on another tangent? hahahahahaaa
