The name graphite comes from the Greek word grapt or 'to write' because of its use in making pencil lead. Graphite is found in metamorphic schists and crystalline limestones and less commonly in hydrothermal veins. Large quantities of graphite are also produced in furnaces from coal.
| C |
|
| Element |
|
| Hexagonal |
|
| 6/m 2/m 2/m |
|
| 1-2 |
|
| 2.23 |
|
| {0001} perfect |
|
| Sectile |
|
| Black |
|
| Black |
|
| Metallic, dull, earthy |
|
| Opaque |
|
| Foliated, earthy |
|
| Greasy feel |
|
| Notable Localities: |
China; Russia; North Korea; South Korea; India; Mexico |
| Uses: |
Manufacture of refractory crucibles, dry lubricant, pencil 'lead', manufacture of paint, batteries, electrodes and electrotyping |
| Quartz, biotite, orthoclase, tourmaline, apatite, pyrite, titanite |
Specimens:
| |
|
