The magnetic separation was investigated for Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+, and Cd2+ ions in an inhomogeneous field of 410 kOe(2) cm(-1). By application of the field to the solutions spotted on silica gel, the Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ ions were attracted toward the field center, but the Zn2+, Ag+, and Cd2+ ions stayed at the spot origin. The movements depended upon the susceptibilities of the metal ions. The findings demonstrate that the use of a magnetic field has potential to separate ions in chemical and biological areas.