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Graphite
Graphite is native element (carbon), C. In the hand, it rates 1 to 2 on the Mohs scale, and it runs steel gray and iron black. Greasy soft gray mineral that writes on paper and blackens fingers, diamond's slippery shadow twin, light and metallic-dull. Metamorphosed carbon-rich rocks: Sri Lanka (lump), Madagascar, China, New York (USA).
The geology.
Graphite carries the formula C. It belongs to the hexagonal system. On paper it is native element (carbon).
It sits at 1 to 2 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads metallic to dull, greasy. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.1 to 2.3. The streak is black, shining. It breaks with perfect basal cleavage; flexible flakes.
Greasy soft gray mineral that writes on paper and blackens fingers, diamond's slippery shadow twin, light and metallic-dull.
Expect to see it as foliated masses, flakes in marble and schist or massive lumps.
The origins.
Metamorphosed carbon-rich rocks: Sri Lanka (lump), Madagascar, China, New York (USA).
On value, the database notes: common and inexpensive.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, graphite has little crystal-shop lore; modern writers cast it as a conductor-of-ideas stone.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Greasy soft gray mineral that writes on paper and blackens fingers, diamond's slippery shadow twin, light and metallic-dull.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Molybdenite | Nearly identical, but molybdenite is heavier (SG 4.7 vs 2.2) with a blue-silver cast and greenish streak on porcelain |
| Hematite (specular) | Hematite streaks red-brown and feels far heavier |
| Galena | Galena breaks into heavy cubes; graphite smears |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about graphite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Writes gray-black on paper |
| By eye | Greasy feel; soils fingers |
| By weight | Featherweight beside molybdenite (the classic confusion) |
Destructive tests belong to a gemologist, not a kitchen table. If a piece matters to you, pay for an appraisal before you take a file to it.
Care & handling.
At 1 to 2 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with perfect basal cleavage; flexible flakes, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Clean it by hand, dry it properly, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and hot steam.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is C. Crystal system: Hexagonal. Specific gravity: 2.1 to 2.3. Streak: Black, shining. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect basal cleavage; flexible flakes.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphosed carbon-rich rocks: Sri Lanka (lump), Madagascar, China, New York (USA).
What it gets confused with
Molybdenite: Nearly identical, but molybdenite is heavier (SG 4.7 vs 2.2) with a blue-silver cast and greenish streak on porcelain. Hematite (specular): Hematite streaks red-brown and feels far heavier. Galena: Galena breaks into heavy cubes; graphite smears.
What it is worth
Common and inexpensive.
One more thing
Graphite and diamond are the same element, carbon's atoms stacked one way write your pencil, another way cut glass.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock graphite. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
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