The mineral graphite is one of the allotropes of carbon. Unlike diamond (another carbon allotrope), graphite is an electrical conductor, a semimetal. Graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. There are three principal types of natural graphite, each occurring in different types of ore deposit: (1) Crystalline flake graphite (2)Amorphous graphite (3) Lump graphite. Graphite has a hardness of 1-2 on Mohs Scale with Bulk Density of 2.09-2.23g/cm3. It is available in flakes with a metallic & earthy appearance.
Uses:
Graphite lubricants are specialty items for use at very high or very low temperatures, as a wire die extrusion lubricant, an antiseize agent, a gear lubricant for mining machinery, and to lubricate locks. Natural amorphous and fine flake graphite are used in brake linings or brake shoes for heavier (nonautomotive) vehicles, and became important with the need to substitute for asbestos. The graphite foil is made into heat sinks for laptop computers which keeps them cool while saving weight. Natural graphite is mostly used into carbon raising in molten steel. Graphite Blocks are also used in parts of blast furnace linings where the high thermal conductivity of the graphite is critical. Natural graphite has found uses as the marking material ("lead") in common pencils, in zinc-carbon batteries, in electric motor brushes etc. Graphite (carbon) fiber and carbon nanotubes are also used in carbon fiber reinforced plastics
