Natural Indian Minerals
Graphite Minerals

Name and Composition - Also called black lead, carbon C. The impurities generally are of silica, alumina, calcium carbonate etc.

Physical Properties - It occurs as scales, columnar masses or sometimes as granular masses. It is iron black to dark steel grey in colour with sp.gr. 2.00 to 2.03; hardness is 1 to 2 with sub metallic lusture and jet black streak. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is soft and soils fingers. It is self lubricating and has a soapy feel.

Mode of Occurrence - Graphite occurs in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks in flakes, lumps & dust form.

Uses - Graphite is used in foundry facing, paints, crucibles etc. Greet free graphite is preferred for lubricants. Crystalline graphite is used in manufacturing of dynamo and motor commutators, crucibles. Ground graphite is used in boiler compounds to prevent sealing of boilers. The graphite is used in explosives, dry cell batteries, stove polish, pencils, thermocouples etc.

Mineral based Industries – Pencil, refractories, crucible industries, dry cell batteries, electrode, asbestos products.

Industrial Prospects – Nil.


Physical Properties
Hardness
Sp. gr.
Luster
Streak
Crystal system
1 to 2
2.00 to 2.03
Metallic, earthy
Black
Hexagonal
Chemical Properties
Color
Chemical Classification
Diaphaneity
Cleavage
Steel gray to black
Native element
Opaque
Perfect in one direction
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