Graphite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameGraphite
Chemical FormulaC
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorblack to dark gray
Cleavageperfect basal on {0001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.23
Colorsblack, dark gray, silvery gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalitySaint-Sauveur Graphite occurrence, Saint-Sauveur, Les Pays-d'en-Haut RCM, Laurentides, Québec, Canada
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usespencils, lubricants, electrodes, refractories, batteries, nuclear reactors
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, mica, calcite, pyrite, pyrrhotite
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a specimen of graphite, characterized by its dark gray to black color and a distinct metallic to submetallic luster, often appearing as flaky or platy aggregates.
Geological Context
Graphite forms primarily through the metamorphism of carbonaceous sedimentary rocks (like coal or organic-rich shales) under high temperature and pressure conditions, or in igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins.
