graphite

Graphite, an allotropic form of carbon, known also as plumbago and black lead. It is dark gray or black, crystalline (often in the form of slippery scales), greasy, and soft, with a metallic luster. It is a good conductor of electricity and does not fuse at very high temperatures or burn easily. Natural graphite prices remained unchanged during 2001. Prices for crystalline flake graphite concentrates ranged from $480 to $550 per metric ton and commanded higher prices than the amorphous, which was priced at $220 to $235 per ton. Carbon content, flake and crystal size, size distribution, and ash content affect the price of graphite. The price of synthetic graphite, however, increased to $2,070 per ton in 2001 from $1,940 per ton in 2000. Customary negotiations between the buyer and the seller lead to wide price fluctuations. World production of graphite in 2001 was estimated to be 873,000 t compared with 857,000 t in 2000. China maintained its position as the world’s leading graphite producer with 450,000 t, accounted for 52％ of world production.