Graphite stone – properties, virtues & benefits

Graphite stone, a natural and versatile material, is an essential mineral for the manufacture of pencils, batteries and lubricants. Discover its unique properties and numerous industrial applications.

GRAPHITE CHARACTERISTICS

• Chakra: Root.
• Properties: Conductivity, stability, lubrication.
• Astrology: Saturn.
• Zodiac: Capricorn.
• Elements: Earth.
• Colors: Gray-black.
• Hardness: 1-2 (Mohs scale).
• Chemical Formula: C (carbon).
• Associated god: None.

GRAPHITE – ITS HISTORY

Graphite stone was first extracted from the British Seathwaite mines in the 17th century. It was then used to make wood pencil leads and called “plombagine” because of its resemblance to lead, which was commonly used for writing at the time. It wasn’t until 1779 that Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered that it was in fact a crystalline form of carbon, not lead, when he analyzed it. German geologist Abraham Gottlieb Werner then chose to name it graphite, a term derived from the Greek word “graphein” meaning “to write”. For centuries, this black, brittle mineral has been used for writing, from the manufacture of Indian ink to the pencils most commonly used in the home. Graphite is also used in a variety of industries due to its many chemical and physical properties, such as high heat resistance, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, a very low coefficient of friction, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and a very high melting point at 3,550°C.

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Graphite is a highly versatile mineral that finds use in a variety of industries. In the metallurgical industry, it is used in steelmaking, refractory brick mixes, or as a lining for foundry molds. It is also used in the automotive industry for the production of brakes, clutches, batteries and other engine parts. Paint factories use it notably in the production of anticorrosive and antistatic paints.

Graphite also finds use in advanced technologies, as a moderator in atomic reactors and as a heat-stable substance in the manufacture of rocket components. In the steel industry, it is used as an electrode. In the field of sports, it is used as the main material for badminton rackets in the shaft and frame. It is also used as an absorbent in “activated carbon” filters and in the manufacture of lithium batteries.

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Electrodes, mainly made of synthetic graphite, are used in arc furnaces to melt scrap metal or steel, accounting for a third of worldwide consumption. In medicine, it can be used as an absorbent in the event of oral intoxication. Finally, it can have a military use, in the form of bombs, to damage power plants.

GRAPHITE STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION

Graphite stone is a soft, friable mineral with a metallic sheen and a greasy feel. It is a natural allotrope of carbon, as are diamond, chaoite and lonsdalcite. Its color ranges from gray to black, and its structure is made up of superimposed layers called graphenes. These graphenes are made up of a regular honeycomb of hexagons, separated from each other by less than half a nanometer. This weak cohesion between the sheets explains the mineral’s friability.

Graphite stone is a native element mainly found in sediments of regional metamorphism. It can also be formed from organic charcoal, magma or by reduction of carbonates, depending on the rock. It may also be present in meteorites.

Natural graphite exists in three distinct varieties. The first is flake graphite, which comes in flakes measuring from 1mm to 5cm and is the result of intense regional metamorphism. This variety is of the highest purity, with carbon concentrations ranging from 85% to 99%. It is also the most common and widely used variety on the market.

The second variety is amorphous graphite, also known as microcrystalline. Amorphous graphite is a cryptocrystalline produced by moderate contact metamorphism from coal seams or stumps and oil shales. This variety is the least carbon-rich, with a concentration ranging from 60% to 90%.

Finally, the third variety is vein, or mass, graphite. This variety appears in granulite-type metamorphic rocks following the filling of their veins and fissures by carbonaceous fluids. Vein graphite is extremely pure, but also very rare, accounting for no more than 1% of world production. It is therefore the most expensive, with demand far outstripPing supply.

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Graphite deposits can be found all over the world, but the main producing countries are the USA, Mexico, China, Germany, Canada, Finland, Madagascar, Slovenia and Russia.

Graphite stone is an abundant mineral beneath the earth’s crust, which currently poses no resource problems. However, with global production at 73%, China holds a monopoly on the market and therefore controls pricing. Given the overabundance of graphite in its deposits, China has significantly reduced its reserves in recent years, leading to a halving of the price per tonne in just a few years. China is also known for producing graphite with very high carbon content, ranging from 94% to 98%, making it the leading producer in the sector. It can increase production in line with demand, thanks to its large reserves and inexpensive workforce. Graphite is also present in the composition of other stones such as chiastolite, cliftonite and Pinolite.

Synthetic graphite is generally produced by the Acheson process, which involves the graphitization of a mixture of petroleum coke and pre-fired hard coal Pitch at high temperatures ranging from 2,600 to 3,000°C. This treatment allows the carbon atoms to reorganize into hexagonal crystalline structures, similar to those of graphene, thus forming a synthetic version of graphite stone. Synthetic graphite is purer than natural graphite, with a carbon content of over 99%, offering better electrical conductivity and greater chemical resistance. However, since it takes a long time to produce and is expensive to manufacture, its price is higher than that of the natural variety, ranging from $7,000 to $20,000/ton. The main producers of synthetic graphite are in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Great Britain.

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GRAPHITE STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES

From a psychological point of view, graphite stone encourages communication and freedom of expression, offering greater self-confidence during public speeches such as conferences or debates. It also enables better control of emotions and brings clarity to ambiguous situations. It is useful for those who are overly spontaneous or talkative, encouraging them to step back and think before they speak.

On a sPiritual level, graphite stone is an anchoring stone, acting primarily on the Root chakra or Muladhara. This chakra is considered the source of well-being and security when balanced. On a vibratory level, graphite stone acts as a shield against harmful energies, diverting them towards the Earth. It is also useful for neutralizing Hartmann’s nodes.

GRAPHITE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL LEVEL

From a psychological point of view, graphite stone is known to be soothing and stabilizing. It helps improve concentration, mental clarity and reduce stress. It also promotes rational decision-making, emotional balance and self-confidence. Although these attributes are mainly based on esoteric beliefs and lithotherapy, some natural stone users find comfort and support in using them.

GRAPHITE ON THE PHYSICAL LEVEL

From a physical point of view, graphite stone is a mineral with unique properties, enabling it a wide range of industrial applications. Thanks to its crystalline structure, graphite is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. It is also used as a solid lubricant because of its ability to reduce friction between surfaces in contact. Graphite is commonly used in the manufacture of pencils, batteries, composite materials and heat-resistant coatings.

As far as health benefits are concerned, there is no solid scientific evidence to support the use of graphite in the treatment of specific physical problems. However, some lithotherapy practitioners believe that graphite can help relieve pain and promote wound healing thanks to its conductive properties. It’s important to note that these beliefs are based on esoteric traditions and not on established medical evidence.

GRAPHITE STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE

To clean and refill graphite stone, follow the steps below. It’s important to note that these practices are based on esoteric beliefs, not scientific evidence. Nevertheless, here are a few tips for those wishing to care for their graphite stones:

1. Cleaning: To clean the graphite stone, use a soft brush and warm, soapy water. Gently scrub the stone to remove dust and impurities. Rinse with clean water to remove soap residue. Avoid using chemical or abrasive products, as they may damage the stone.
2. Downloading: Graphite stone can be discharged by placing it on an amethyst geode or quartz cluster for several hours. This eliminates any negative energies the stone may have absorbed.
3. Recharging: To recharge the graphite stone, expose it to sunlight or moonlight for several hours. Natural light helps revitalize the stone’s energies. Avoid leaving the graphite stone in direct sunlight for long periods, as this may alter its color.
4. Storage: Store your graphite stone in a dry, dust-free place. You can also place it on a wooden, glass or ceramic stand or small plate for protection.

It is recommended to clean and recharge the graphite stone regularly to maintain its energetic properties.

WHERE DOES THE NAME GRAPHITE COME FROM?

The name “graphite” comes from the Greek word “graphein”, meaning “to write” or “to draw”. The name was given to this mineral because of its common use in making pencils and its ability to leave a mark on a surface when rubbed against it. The discovery of graphite dates back to late 16th century England, but it was German naturalist and mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner who gave it the name in 1789. Werner chose the name to emphasize the mineral’s particular suitability as a writing material.

WHICH CHAKRA DOES GRAPHITE ACT ON?

Graphite is generally associated with the root chakra, also known as Muladhara in Sanskrit. The root chakra is the first of the seven main chakras and is located at the base of the sPine. It is linked to stability, security and connection with the earth. The use of graphite to work on the root chakra is based on esoteric beliefs and lithotherapy, not on scientific evidence. Followers of these practices believe that graphite can help balance and strengthen root chakra energy, promoting a sense of grounding and support.

WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH GRAPHITE?

Graphite is often associated with the astrological sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is an earth sign, ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorns are renowned for their sense of responsibility, pragmatism and ambition. The connection between graphite and Capricorn is based on esoteric beliefs and lithotherapy, not on scientific evidence. Followers of these practices believe that graphite can help strengthen stability, perseverance and concentration, qualities often associated with the sign of Capricorn.

GRAPHITE STONE SUMMARY

Graphite stone, also known as graphite, is an allotroPic form of carbon with a lamellar crystal structure. It is widely used in a variety of applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Here’s a summary of its main characteristics:

1. Structure: graphite is composed of layers of carbon atoms linked by covalent bonds, forming flat hexagons. These layers are stacked on top of each other and held together by weak Van der Waals forces, making it easy for the layers to slide over each other.
2. Physical properties: Among its notable physical properties, graphite is both a ductile and strong material, with a relatively low density. In addition, it is stable at room temperature and resistant to corrosion, making it useful in a variety of applications.
3. Electrical and thermal conductivity: graphite is a good conductor of electricity and heat, due to the presence of free electrons within its crystalline structure.
4. Natural lubricant: Due to its lamellar structure, graphite acts as a natural lubricant, making it ideal for applications requiring a low coefficient of friction.
5. Industrial uses:Graphite is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including as an electrode material in batteries, as a solid lubricant, in carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, and in the production of steel and cast iron. It is also used in the manufacture of pencils, due to its ability to leave a mark on a surface when rubbed against it.
6. Synthesis: Natural graphite is mined, but it can also be synthesized from petroleum coke or coal tars, by high-temperature graphitization.

In short, graphite stone is a material with unique properties and numerous industrial applications, from batteries and lubricants to the production of composites and steel.