Basic Mineral and Graphite Properties
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances. Graphite, like most minerals, is a compound of elements. Specifically, graphite is formed by a bond of carbon atoms. Identifying minerals is done by noting specific distinguishing characteristics that tell us something about how minerals are formed. The temperature and pressure in the environment of formation determines these resulting characteristics of minerals. Distinguishing characteristics of graphite are that it is one of the softest minerals, its metallic luster and the "black gray to brownish gray" streak it leaves when dragged on a surface. Graphite is used for a lubricant, pencils, airplanes, golf clubs and countless other goods where lightweight, strong material is needed. The alpha and beta types of graphite have slightly different crystalline structures that affect their level of hardness. Forming both artificially and naturally, the unique covalent bond is the key to what makes graphite different from other entirely carbon-based minerals such as coal and diamonds.
Graphite's Carbon Bond
The formation of graphite takes place when diamonds are relatively near the surface. According to the United States Geological Survey, the difference between naturally forming graphite and diamonds is the arrangement of carbon atoms. Diamonds have a tight covalent bond that makes them so hard, while graphite formation causes a weak sheet like bond that makes it extremely soft. This bond is weak because of the layered formation of stronger covalent bonds that causes layers to slide, states the Interactive Library of EDinformatics. Intense heat and pressure over time forces the weaker layer of graphite to form the tight crystalline structure of diamonds. Passing of more time allows diamonds that are at or near the Earth's surface to experience a sort of breakdown of their bonds, which leads back to graphite formation.
More on Graphite Formation
Being carbon-based, graphite starts out as decaying plant and animal matter. Heat and pressure transform it into things such as peat, lignite, sub-bituminous coal, bituminous coal, anthracite and diamonds. Taking millions of years, graphite formation happens only after diamonds are formed and then broken down to the softer form of covalent bond discussed above. Graphite is much more common in the Earth's crust than diamonds and is the most stable form of carbon when under normal surface conditions.
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