Hard Ferrite (ceramic) magnets, composed of barium or strontium, were developed in the early 1960's as an alternative to the more expensive metallic magnets. This class of magnet is very hard, brittle and possesses lower energy characteristics compared to other magnetic materials. However, it is very popular and widely used because of its excellent resistance to demagnetizaion, corrosion, and the advantageous pricing.

Ferrite magnets are manufactured by pressing, sintering, or injection molding. These magnets can be both anisotropic and isotropic. Anisotropic grades are oriented in the manufacturing direction and must be magnetized in the direction of orientation. Isotropic grades are not oriented and can be magnetized in any direction.