Graphite
Graphite
Graphite (/ˈɡræfaɪt/), also known as plumbago or black lead, is a naturally occurring form of crystalline carbon. It is a semimetal and a native element mineral. Graphite is used for its excellent conductivity of heat and electricity, and for its resistance to heat and chemical reactions.
Etymology
The term "graphite" comes from the Greek word "graphein," which means "to write." This is in reference to the mineral's use in pencils. The term was first used by German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1789.
Properties
Graphite is a soft, slippery, greyish-black substance. It has a metallic luster and is opaque to light. Graphite is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is stable over a wide range of temperatures. Graphite is a highly refractory material with a high melting point (3650 °C).
Uses
Graphite is used in a variety of applications, including pencils, lubricants, batteries, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors. It is also used in the production of steel and in the manufacture of brake linings for vehicles.
Related Terms
- Carbon: The chemical element of atomic number 6, a nonmetal that has two main forms (diamond and graphite) and that also occurs in impure form in charcoal, soot, and coal.
- Semimetal: A type of element that has properties in between or that are a mixture of those of metals and nonmetals.
- Refractory: A substance that is resistant to heat and wear.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Graphite
- Wikipedia's article - Graphite
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