Graphite is One of the Most Versatile Non-Metallic Materials in the World

Graphite can be as hard and durable as diamond. However, its unique structure means that it is soft, light, and heat resistant. It’s one of the most popular non-metallic minerals. In antiquity, graphite used to be called Plumbago. It’s a semi-metal and crystal form carbon. Graphite is the stablest form of carbon under normal conditions. This is why graphite is often used in thermochemistry as it defines the normal state for the formation of heat from carbon compounds. Graphite might be the best-quality coal. The second highest is either anthracite (meta-bituminous) coal. But graphite can’t usually be used as a fuel, because it is hard to ignite.

Type and Features of Graphite

There are three major types of natural graphite. Each one is found in different deposits.

Flake graphite

Flake graphite can be found as a single, flat-shaped, hexagonal, or plate-like particle with hexagonal edges. It may break if it doesn’t. If broken, edges can be irregular or angular. This mineral is found in metamorphic rock, like limestone, gegneiss, or schist. It can be evenly distributed within the ore body, or concentrated in crystallized pockets.

This graphite is rarer than the others.

It has a carbon range between 85-98%.

There are four main sizes available: large, small, medium and fine.

Graphite for new technologies like anodes for lithium-ion cells

Amorphous graphite

Amorphous graphite consists of very fine crystal particles that are found within mesomorphic layers like coal, slate and shale. The parent material’s carbon content determines the amount of carbon in it. If it’s found in coal, it results from thermal metamorphism. It is also known as meta-anthracite. This is a different kind of coal than other fuels. It’s not very easy to burn.

It’s the most prevalent form of graphite

Low carbon, 70%-80%

The lowest purity

This is used to make refractory brake pad, gaskets and clutch materials as well as pencil leads.

Vein graphite (or lump graphite)

Vein graphite can be thought to have been derived from crude oil reserves. This is then transformed into graphite with temperature and pressure. Riddle claimed that the veins were “very small,” measuring between 5-10 centimeters in diameter, and usually contain 70-99+ percent pure graphite. It’s rare and very expensive.

It is currently only found in Sri Lanka

Restriction of the survival rate for most applications

(aka. Technology Co. Ltd. (aka. Our company produces graphite powder with high purity, small particle sizes, and low impurities. We can help you if the price is lower.