Graphite is a naturally
occurring mineral with unique physical properties similar to metal, but with high thermal
stability and chemical resistance
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3 Types of Natural Graphite:
The Ruby Graphite property mostly consists of
Flake Graphite and Vein Graphite both of which are highly
crystalline forms. Amorphous Graphite is a micro-crystalline
form of low value and is not present on the property.
Graphite and Diamond have Opposite Physical Properties in Many
Cases:
- Graphite is grey-black and opaque,
whereas Diamond is highly transparent.
- Graphite is one of the softest materials
and used as a lubricant, whereas Diamond is one of the hardest and used as an
abrasive.
- Graphite is relatively light-weight,
similar to other minerals and rocks like granite, and Diamond has twice the density.
- Graphite is a good conductor of
electricity, whereas Diamond is an electrial insulator.
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Graphite is One of 4 Basic Molecular Forms of Carbon:
Carbon is one of the most abundant elements in the world
and is found in four different molecular forms.
- Non-crystalline carbon occurs
throughout nature as coal, wood char, and soot.
- Graphite and diamond are two
crystalline forms of carbon.
- Another general crystalline form of
carbon is termed ‘fullerenes’ which consist of synthetically produced
carbon in the shape of nanotubes, spheres (buckyballs) and other forms. 
Graphene is a Single Layer of the Graphite Crystal with Even
Greater Properties:
- Graphene can be made to only one-atom thick, making it the only
2-dimensional material ever discovered.
- Graphene has similar properties to Diamond, but is much stronger
and the best conductor of electricity, better than copper.
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