Table of Contents
How do you identify a mineral graphite?
Graphite is dark gray to black, opaque, and very soft (with a hardness of 1 1/2 on the Mohs scale), while diamond may be colourless and transparent and is the hardest naturally occurring substance.
What is the graphite mineral group?
Pure graphite is a mineral form of the element carbon (element #6, symbol C). It forms as veins and disseminations in metamorphic rocks as the result of the metamorphism of organic material included in limestone deposits.
What are the characteristics of graphite?
The characteristics of graphite include high resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and resistance to friction and wear.
Is graphite a luster?
Graphite is a soft, crystalline form of carbon. Other forms are diamond and fullerenes (“buckyballs”). It is gray to black, opaque, and has a metallic luster.
What mineral group is gypsum in?
Sulfate minerals
| Gypsum | |
|---|---|
| Category | Sulfate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | CaSO 4·2H2O |
| Strunz classification | 7.CD.40 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
What are the characteristics of graphite that make it suitable to be used as pencil lead?
Its softness and streak make graphite useful in making “lead” for pencils. It is flexible, but not elastic. Crystals are uncommon, but when they occur, they are found as rough, six-sided (hexagonal) flakes. It breaks into minute, flexible flakes that easily slide over one another.
How does mining graphite affect the environment?
Research has shown that natural graphite mining can cause dust emissions. The purification of battery-grade anode products requires high quantities of sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid, which may be harmful to both human health and the environment.
Why graphite is a mineral?
It is a native element mineral found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Graphite is a mineral of extremes. It is extremely soft, cleaves with very light pressure, and has a very low specific gravity. In contrast, it is extremely resistant to heat and nearly inert in contact with almost any other material.
What is the characteristics of gypsum mineral?
Gypsum Physical Properties
| Color | Colorless to white; may be yellow, tan, blue, pink, brown, reddish brown or gray due to impurities |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 2 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.31–2.33 |
| Diagnostic Properties | Transparent and bladed crystals Alabaster Fine-grained, slightly colored |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
What is the characteristics of gypsum?
From chemical point of view gypsum is calcium sulfate, which crystallizes when associated with water and represents a very soft mineral with chemical formula CaSO42H2O. First gypsum deposits were formed more than 100 million years ago by evaporation of seawater pools on equal ground.
What properties make graphite useful?
It is unique in that it has properties of both a metal and a non-metal: it is flexible but not elastic, has a high thermal and electrical conductivity, and is highly refractory and chemically inert. Graphite has a low adsorption of X-rays and neutrons making it a particularly useful material in nuclear applications.
Are there any other minerals similar to graphite?
There are quite a number of minerals similar in appearance to Graphite, but Graphite’s intrinsic properties will easily distinguish it. Molybdenite, which is commonly confused with Graphite, is heavier and does not smudge. Have a question about Graphite?
Where are the best places to find graphite?
Graphite crystal flecks have been found at the French Creek mine Chester Co., Pennsylvania; at Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona; and at Crestmore, Riverside Co., California. There are quite a number of minerals similar in appearance to Graphite, but Graphite’s intrinsic properties will easily distinguish it.
Why is it important to take care of graphite?
Much care should be given to Graphite specimens, especially thin crystals, which are fragile. It may be difficult to wash crystals, as they easily peel off and get ruined. Graphite will also smudge on its surface, and can get worn out if it is moved around too much.
What happens if you put graphite on your hand?
Graphite will also smudge on its surface, and can get worn out if it is moved around too much. It also smudges the hand when handled, and will smudge a label or cardboard box if stored in one.