Graphite

The mineral graphite is one of the allotropes of carbon. graphite is an electrical conductor, a semimetal. It is, consequently, useful in such applications as arc lamp electrodes. It is used in thermochemistry as the standard state for defining the heat of formation of carbon compounds. Natural graphite is mostly consumed for refractories, steelmaking, expanded graphite, brake linings, foundry facings and lubricants. Natural graphite in steelmaking mostly goes into carbon raising in molten steel. Also, graphite is used in production of coated welding electrodes.