Graphite (named by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1789 from the Greek γραφειν (graphein): "to draw/write", for its use in pencils) is one of the allotropes of carbon. Unlike diamond, graphite is an electrical conductor. Graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of solid carbon ever discovered. It may be considered to be the highest grade of coal, just above anthracite, although it is not normally used as fuel because it is hard to ignite. Graphite and graphite powder, is valued for industrial applications, for its self-lubricating and dry lubricating properties. |
