A method and apparatus for separating a non-magnetic material from magnetic material is provided. A magnetic separation device includes at least one magnetic element for producing a magnetic field. The magnetic separation device further includes a first support portion including a threaded opening that threadingly receives a threaded portion of a container to fixedly attach the container to the first support portion in an aligned orientation with respect to the magnetic element. The threaded opening retains the container in the aligned orientation when inverting the magnetic separation device.