graphite

{{Infobox mineral | name = Graphite | category = Native mineral | boxwidth = | boxbgcolor = | image = Graphite-233436.jpg | imagesize = 170px | caption = Graphite specimen | formula = C | IMAsymbol = Gr | strunz = 1.CB.05a | system = Hexagonal or Rhombohedral | class = Dihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm) Hermann–Mauguin notation: (6/m 2/m 2/m) | symmetry = P63mc (buckled) P63/mmc (flat) | unit cell = a = 2.461, c = 6.708 [Å]; Z = 4 | molweight = | color = Iron-black to steel-gray; deep blue in transmitted light | habit = Tabular, six-sided foliated masses, granular to compacted masses | twinning = Present | cleavage = Basal – perfect on {0001} | fracture = Flaky, otherwise rough when not on cleavage | tenacity = Flexible non-elastic, sectile | mohs = 1–2 | luster = Metallic, earthy | refractive = | opticalprop = Uniaxial (−) | birefringence = | pleochroism = Strong | streak = Black | gravity = 1.9–2.3 | density = 2.09–2.23 g/cm3 | fusibility = | diagnostic = | solubility = Soluble in molten nickel, warm chlorosulfuric acid | diaphaneity = Opaque, transparent only in extremely thin flakes | other = strongly anisotropic, conducts electricity, greasy feel, readily marks | references = }}thumbGraphite () is a crystalline allotrope (form) of the element carbon. It consists of many stacked layers of graphene, typically in excess of hundreds of layers. Graphite occurs naturally and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. Synthetic and natural graphite are consumed on a large scale (1.3million metric tons per year in 2022) for uses in many critical industries including refractories (50%), lithium-ion batteries (18%), foundries (10%), and lubricants (5%), among others (17%). Graphite converts to diamond under extremely high pressure and temperature. Graphite's low cost, thermal and chemical inertness and characteristic conductivity of heat and electricity finds numerous applications in high energy and high temperature processes.

== Types and varieties == Graphite can occur naturally or be produced synthetically. Natural graphite is obtained from naturally occurring geologic deposits and synthetic graphite is produced through human activity.