What is "graphite"?

Graphite is one of the two polymers of carbon that are naturally formed and has a two-dimensional planar crystal structure. As a very good conductor of heat and electricity and with great natural strength and stability at high temperatures, graphite has many industrial uses.

Graphite is often used to line cubicles and ladles. It is also used in bricks that line a furnace and to give more carbon content to steel. Gaskets and brake linings are made from graphite, and it is used in batteries, fire retardants and plastic reinforcements. The market for graphite is larger than the markets for rare earths, molybdenum cobalt, lithium and tungsten combined.