13 Facts About Graphite

Graphite is a crystalline form of the element carbon.

Graphite occurs naturally and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions.

Graphite occurs in metamorphic rocks as a result of the reduction of sedimentary carbon compounds during metamorphism.

Graphite is an electrical conductor, hence useful in such applications as arc lamp electrodes.

Graphite attempted to clear up the confusion between molybdena, plumbago and black lead after Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1778 proved that there are at least three different minerals.

Graphite blocks are used in parts of blast furnace linings where the high thermal conductivity of the graphite is critical to ensuring adequate cooling of the bottom and hearth of the furnace.

Graphite lubricants are specialty items for use at very high or very low temperatures, as forging die lubricant, an antiseize agent, a gear lubricant for mining machinery, and to lubricate locks.

Graphite is probably the most used lubricant in Pinewood derbies.

Graphite discovered that overheating carborundum, as opposed to pure carbon, produced almost pure graphite.

Graphite electrodes carry the electricity that melts scrap iron and steel, and sometimes direct-reduced iron, in electric arc furnaces, which are the vast majority of steel furnaces.

Graphite used for nuclear reactors is often referred to as nuclear graphite.

Graphite has been used in at least three radar absorbent materials.

Graphite composites are used as absorber for high-energy particles, for example in the Large Hadron Collider beam dump.