Pencil

Pencil

A pencil is a writing instrument with a thin cylindrical graphite core encased in a protective wooden sheath. Pencils are used for writing or drawing and produce marks via physical abrasion.

History

The modern pencil was invented in 1795 by Nicholas-Jacques Conte, a scientist serving in the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. The pencil was a necessity of the time as the French Republic was in financial crisis and unable to import graphite sticks from Great Britain, the world's sole supplier.

Types of Pencils

There are several types of pencils including the standard graphite pencil, charcoal pencil, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, and grease pencil.

Graphite Pencils

Graphite pencils are the most common type of pencil. They are made of a mixture of clay and graphite and their darkness varies from light grey to black. Their composition allows for smooth writing and drawing.

Charcoal Pencils

Charcoal pencils are made of charcoal and provide richer blacks than graphite pencils, but they tend to smudge easily and are not erasable.

Colored Pencils

Colored pencils have a wax-based core with pigment and other fillers. Multiple colors are often blended together.

Watercolor Pencils

Watercolor pencils can be used dry like ordinary pencils, then moistened with a wet brush to achieve a watercolor effect.

Grease Pencils

Grease pencils have a softer, crayon-like waxy core that can leave marks on smooth surfaces such as glass or porcelain.

See Also

• Pen
• Eraser
• List of stationery topics

References

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External Links

• Pencils.com - A comprehensive resource about pencils

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