Definition

A crystalline form of carbon that is dark gray to black, soft, and electrically conductive, commonly used in pencils, lubricants, and industrial applications. It occurs naturally in metamorphic rocks and can be synthesized artificially.

Example Usage

The artist used a graphite pencil to sketch the portrait before adding color with pastels.

Origin

From Greek 'graphites' (writing stone), derived from 'graphein' (to write).

Fun Fact

Despite being pure carbon like diamonds, graphite is worth far less because it's more abundant and easier to extract.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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