Identification

Graphite occurs naturally between layers of coal. It took many thousands of years for coal to form from peat under high temperatures and pressure. Graphite forms in the areas where temperatures are higher and pressure is greater, which forces the impurities from coal. Just like coal, graphite is not a renewable resource because it takes a long time for it to form.

Types

Not every coal bed has the conditions for graphite formation. Unlike coal, natural graphite is rare and expensive to mine. Synthetic graphite is cheaper to produce by applying high temperatures to amorphous carbon. The synthetic form is slightly different from natural graphite, but it carries the same physical properties.

Geography

Natural graphite mines are located in Canada, Ukraine, Brazil, India, North Korea, South Korea and Mexico.