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Forms of Carbon Diamond Graphite

Carbon is one of the most abundant elements in the entire universe, giving it the atomic number 6. The element can easily be and usually is extracted from coal. Once carbon has been extracted or collected, it is processed into an allotropic form, which is a form in a combination with other elements. Two common forms of allotropic carbon are diamond and graphite. These forms are crystalline while other forms may be amorphous.

Diamond
- A diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man. A diamond is very strong and resistant to heat with a melting point at 3,500 degrees Celsius. A colored diamond is created through impurities, making it less valuable than a clear diamond. Diamonds are most notably used for jewelry.
Graphite
- Graphite is quite opposite to diamond as it is one of the softest materials known to man. Graphite is also greasy and used as a lubricant in many applications. Graphite can also be broken down into an amorphous form called coke, which is used to produce steel. Nuclear reactors use graphite as a moderator. Graphite helps in the preparation of electrodes because it is a good conductor of electricity. It is also referred to as lead when used in pencils.
Amorphous Form of Carbon
- Amorphous carbon is created when a material containing carbon is burned with less oxygen than is needed to burn the carbon completely. It creates a black soot often used for ink, paint and rubber products. Amorphous forms can easily be shaped to form the core of dry batteries, as well as other things.
Crystalline Form of Carbon
- The crystalline form of carbon is created when carbon atoms come together to form bonds. The bonds consist of parallel sheets of carbon atoms. Graphite and diamonds as mentioned before are crystalline carbons. Graphite is used in the creation of advanced automotive brake systems, safe computer monitors, and diagnostic medical tools, as well as other high-tech goods.

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