By sharpening a needle with a magnet, it points south, though slightly eastward. When floating on water, it sways. It can be placed on fingernails or the rim of a bowl, spinning quickly, but it is slippery and easy to fall, unlike suspending it with a thread, which is the best method. Using a single cocoon thread and a wax bead. The needle will always point south in a windless place...How marvelous! With this tool, even at sea amidst dark clouds and thunderstorms, one can still discern direction.