# Graphite > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | —— | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Iron black to steel gray | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Healing<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Hexagonal | > | **Formations** | Metamorphic and igneous rocks, meteorites | > | **Formula** | C | > | **Hardness** | 1.0–2.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Elemental nonmetal | > | **Primary Components** | carbon | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A form of elemental carbon with a variety of industrial applications. Magicians use it to write down spells, locate people and objects, and neutralize effects of diamonds. ### Physical Description A crystalline form of elemental carbon composed from layers of graphene—an allotrope of carbon with atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like, hexagonal pattern. Graphite is very soft, with a slippery, oily feel, breaks and flakes under minimal pressure, leaves smudges when touched, and has very low specific gravity—yet is extremely resistant to heat, conducts electricity, and stays inert in contact with most materials. Under high temperature and pressure, graphite turns into diamond. --- ## Occurrence Graphite is a common mineral and occurs natively in massive veins in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Fine crystals and collector specimens, however, are rarely encountered and much sought after. ### Extraction & Preparation Graphite is extracted both in open pits and underground mines. Usually, industry-grade graphite occurs in great quantities, and very little work is needed to mine it. Graphite is so delicate, it needs handling with care to keep it from breaking. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Natural or synthetic graphite is used with clay as 'lead' in sketching pencils. The graphite cores come in various grades of hardness, described by numbers (with higher numbers meaning harder cores) or letters and numbers (from very hard 9H to medium HB to very soft/black 9B.) ### Industrial Properties Graphite is used as a dry lubricant, as lining in crucibles, as molds in foundries, as well as in batteries, electrodes, and carbon fibers. ### Magical Properties Graphite stands in a magical opposition to diamond and counteracts its effects: Stops bodies from being resurrected, breaks through protective enchantments, and releases souls from earthly bindings. Diamonds covered in graphite dust lose all magical properties. It is incredibly useful in alchemists' workshops: graphite-lined crucibles are capable of holding the hottest of substances, including pure essence of fire. Similarly, rooms and vessels with reinforced graphite walls are impervious to magical and natural fire, allowing for containment of fire-breathing creatures and spirits of elemental fire. As graphite always leaves a trail, the enchanters use it to produce magical ammunition. Graphite creates a connection between the shot piece and the shooter, making it easier for all consecutive rounds to hit the same target. The same property strengthens divination magic, particularly tracking and location spells. Use graphite pencils to draw sigils and write spells. As a magical lubricant, the material facilitates the easy flow of energy, giving the spellwork a higher chance of success. It also positively affects automatic writing skills, allowing the spirits to reach the practitioner with less effort. It stimulates communication, mathematical abilities, and the understanding of tax law. In magical healing, graphite improves hearing and counteracts hearing loss. Use it in spellwork to allay fears, easily process anger and disappointment, and disperse hostility of your surroundings.