Graphite

Graphite is carbon. It is also known as black lead or plumbago. It is a very soft to steel-grey mineral having a greasy feel. Its hardness is between 1 and 2 and the specific gravity varies from 2 to 2.3. The lustre of graphite varies from metallic to earthy and its streak is black. Graphite is used in the manufacture of pencils, refractory crucibles, paints etc.