Mineralpedia Details for Graphite
Graphite
Named after the Greek word grapho, meaning “to write,” in reference to the minerals ability to be used as a writing utensil. Graphite is a common mineral with hundreds of localities where it forms from the metamorphism of sedimentary carbon-rich material by the reduction of carbon compounds, and can also be found as a primary mineral in igneous rock. Some of the many localities for graphite can be found in the United States, Canada, Russia, Sri Lanka, Germany, England, and Mexico. Graphite has a distinct greasy feel to it.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/graphite.pdf
- Formula
- C
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
- Crystal Habit
- Foliated, Tabular, Earthy
- Cleavage
- Perfect, None, None
- Luster
- Sub Metallic
- Color
- iron black, dark gray, black, steel gray
- Streak
- black
- Class
- Hexagonal - Dihexagonal Dipyramidal
- Fracture
- Sectile
- Hardness
- 1.5-2
- WebMineral
- View Graphite
- Mindat
- View Graphite
GRAPHITE from Ticonderoga, Essex Co., New York
Graphite crystals to 1cm across asociated with Augite and Scapolite.
Graphite from Leib's Moonstone mine, Essex Co., New York, United States
Graphite crystals are rather uncommon. These crystals are free-standing and to about 6mm.
Graphite from Dillon, Montana, United States
Soft, greasy feeling mass of pure Graphite.
