"Hard as a rock, I think not."
Some of Graphite's uses are:
1. The cores of "lead"
pencils; they contain no lead but are made of graphite mixed with clay.
2. It is used as electrodes in electrochemical industries, where corrosive gases are given off, and for electric furnaces that reach extremely high temperatures.
3. It is used as a lubricant either by itself or mixed with grease, oil, or water.
4. It is also used
in crucibles that must withstand extremely high temperatures and certain
paint.
| Hardness | 1-2 |
| Cleavage | perfect basal |
| Specific gravity | 2.1 |
| Color | iron black to steel |
| Luster | metallic or dull |
Graphite is widely distributed over the world; important deposits are found in Siberia, England, Madagascar, Mexico, Sir Lanka, Canada and numerous locations in the United States.
The name Graphite comes from the Greek word meaning
"to write" alluding
to its use in pencils.
Graphite is one of the two mineral forms of the element Carbon. The other form is the hardest mineral known to man the diamond. This amazing difference is due to a change in the arrangement of the carbon atoms.
In addition of the uses above, graphite is used to make other things such
as hockey stick handles, fishing rods, tennis rackets, golf clubs and more!
I didn't realize before I did this assignment that so many different things
could be made out of a rock dug out of the ground!