Graphite, while as hard as a diamond, is also lightweight, soft and heat resistant due to its unique structural properties. It is one the most common non-metallic materials in the entire world. Graphite, also known as Plumbago during ancient times, was a non-metallic mineral. It is an allotrope of carbon and a semi-metal. Graphite is most stable under standard conditions. In thermochemistry, graphite is used to determine the standard state for forming heat from carbon compounds. Graphite can be regarded as the highest grade coal. Anthracite and meta-bituminous are the next two grades, but they are not typically used for fuels because of their difficulty to ignite.

Graphite Types and Features

The three types of graphite that are found in various deposits can be divided into:

Flake graphite

Flake graphite is a flat, hexagonal-edged plate. It can have irregular or angular edges if it does not break. It is found in metamorphic rock, like limestone, gneiss or schist. The crystals are either evenly distributed throughout the ore or concentrated in pockets.

This is an uncommon form of graphite
Carbon ranges from 85-98%.
There are four standard sizes: large, super large and fine
Graphite can be used for new technologies such as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries

Amorphous graphite

Amorphous graphite consists of very small crystalline particles found in rocks such as slate, coal and shale. Carbon content is dependent on its parent material. It is found in coal as a result of the metamorphism process. Because it is harder to burn than coal, it’s not used for fuel.

This is the most abundant type of graphite
Low carbon content 70-80%
Lowest purity
Used in refractory brake pad, gaskets for clutches and pencil lead.

Vein graphite (or lump graphite)

According to some scientists, vein graphite can be made from crude oils that are transformed into graphite by temperature and pressure. Riddle stated these veins “are very small, between five and ten centimeters width,” and they are usually 70-99+ pure. It’s rare and expensive.
The only place where the mines are currently active is Sri Lanka
Limit the durability of most applications.

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