The movement of transition-metal ions was observed in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The solution containing Cr3+, Mn2+, CO2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ ions was spotted on a silica gel support and exposed to a magnetic field of 410 kOe(2) cm(-1) intensity x gradient. The distribution of the metal ions was measured, and the frictional coefficient of the movement was analyzed in relation to the susceptibility and concentration of the metal ions as well as to the size of the silica gel particles. When the concentration is higher, the metal ions move farther toward the maximum field. It is shown that a large group of metal ions and water molecules moves in a magnetic field.