Graphite Statistics and Information

Insights and data

Pictured: graphite in pegmatite rock

Statistics and information on the worldwide supply of, demand for, and material flow of graphite.

Overview

Graphite is a soft, crystalline form of carbon. Other forms are diamond and fullerenes ("buckyballs"). It is gray to black, opaque, and has a metallic luster. It is flexible but not elastic. Graphite occurs naturally in metamorphic rocks such as marble, schist, and gneiss. It exhibits the properties of a metal and a nonmetal, which make it suitable for many industrial applications. The metallic properties include thermal and electrical conductivity. The nonmetallic properties include inertness, high thermal resistance, and lubricity. Some of the major end uses of graphite are in high-temperature lubricants, brushes for electrical motors, friction materials, and battery and fuel cells.

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Publications

We are currently in the process of transitioning our datasets to the USGS ScienceBase platform to improve long-term accessibility, documentation, and version control. As part of that transition, we have temporarily paused public posting of our Minerals Yearbook (MYB) tables but will resume publication of them when the process is complete. Users subscribed to the automatic notification will be informed as each MYB becomes available. Thank you for your patience.