GRAPHITE

Graphite, archaically referred to as plumbago, is a crystalline form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure. It occurs naturally in this form and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. Under high pressures and temperatures it converts to diamond.



Density: 2.09–2.23 g/cm3
Mohs scale hardness: 1–2
Optical properties: Uniaxial (–)
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Space group: P63mc (buckled) P63/mmc (flat)
Crystal habit: Tabular, six-sided foliated masses, granular to compacted masses