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

Graphite, while as hard as a diamond, is also lightweight, soft and heat resistant due to its unique structural properties. It is one the most common non-metallic materials in the entire world. Graphite, also known as Plumbago during ancient times, was a non-metallic mineral. It is an allotrope of carbon and a semi-metal. Under normal conditions, graphite remains the most stable carbon form. In thermochemistry, graphite is used to determine the standard state for forming the heat in carbon compounds. Graphite can be considered as the highest grade coal. Anthracite and meta-bituminous are the next two grades, but they are not typically used for fuels because they’re difficult to ignite.

Graphite: Types and characteristics

The three types of graphite that are found in various deposits can be divided into:

Flake graphite

Flake graphite is a flat, hexagonal-edged plate. It can have irregular or angular edges if it does not break. It is found in metamorphic rock, like limestone, gneiss and schist. The crystals are either evenly distributed throughout the ore or concentrated in pockets.

This is an uncommon form of graphite
Carbon ranges from 85-98%.
There are four standard sizes: large, super large and fine
Graphite can be used for new technologies, including anodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Amorphous graphite

Amorphous graphite is a very fine crystalline particle found in rocks such as coals, slates, and shale. Carbon content varies depending on its parent material. It is found in coal as a result of the thermal metamorphism and is known as meta-anthracite. Because it is harder to burn than coal, it’s not used for fuel.

This is the most abundant type of graphite
Low carbon content 70-80%
Lowest purity
Useful for brake pads, clutch materials, and pencil lead.

Vein graphite (or lump graphite)

According to some scientists, vein graphite can be made from crude oils that are transformed into graphite by temperature and pressure. Riddle stated these veins “are very small, between five and ten centimeters width,” and they are usually 70-99+ pure. It’s rare and expensive.
The only place where the mines are currently active is Sri Lanka
Limit the durability of most applications.

(aka. Technology Co. Ltd., a trusted global chemical supplier and manufacturer with more than 12 years of experience, is a leader in high-quality nanomaterials and chemicals. The graphite produced by our company is of high purity and has a low impurity level. If you require a lower grade, please do not hesitate to contact us.