The present disclosure relates to materials, devices, systems, and processes for magnetic identification of an object. Embodiments may include receiving from a plurality of sensors arranged within a layer of material an indication of a strength or signature of a magnetic field proximate to the corresponding sensor. The magnetic field may be created by the arrangement of one or more magnets proximate to a surface of the object where the surface is proximate to the plurality of sensors. Embodiments may include determining, based upon the indication of the strength or signature of the magnetic field proximate to the corresponding sensor, an arrangement of magnets proximate to the surface of the object. Based on the determined arrangement of the magnets on the surface of the object, the process may include identifying the object or the surface of the object. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.