Graphite
Graphite · Industrial Mineral and Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Hexagonal, typically occurring as flaky masses, tabular hexagonal crystals, or earthy aggregates
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
C
Formation Process
Metamorphic formation from organic carbonaceous material in sediments subjected to high temperatures and pressures during regional or contact metamorphism
About This Crystal
An opaque, iron-black to steel-gray mineral with a metallic to earthy luster, exhibiting a distinct striated or flaky surface texture as seen in the specimen
Physical Characteristics
Black to dark gray streak, perfect basal cleavage in one direction, uneven or hackly fracture, specific gravity around 2.09 to 2.23, highly sectile and flexible in thin sheets
Optical Properties
Opaque, strongly anisotropic under reflected light with high pleochroism from grayish-white to bluish-gray
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Major global sources include China, India, Brazil, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Found in metamorphic rocks and meteorites.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 1 to 2, very soft, greasy feel, low durability for jewelry use
Care & Maintenance
Handle with care due to extreme softness and marking ability; store separately from harder stones to avoid scratching
Rarity & Value
Common, widely used in industrial applications such as lubricants, refractories, and pencil leads, with specimen values varying based on crystal size and form
Special Characteristics
Exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, high refractoriness, and natural lubricity due to weakly bonded graphene layers
Lore & History
Historically used for writing and drawing since ancient times, widely known for pencils; in metaphysical practices, graphite is believed to assist in grounding, transformation, and clearing blocked energies