  Paramagnetic alignment of suprathermally rotating grains is discussed in view
of recent progress in understanding subtle processes taking place over grain
surface. It is shown that in typical ISM conditions, grains with surfaces of
amorphous H$_{2}$O ice, defected silicate or polymeric carbonaceous material
are likely to exhibit enhanced alignment, while those of aromatic carbonaceous
material or graphite are not. The critical grain sizes and temperature for the
Purcell's alignment are obtained and preferential alignment of large grains is
established.
