Graphite
Composition and Properties of Graphite
Graphite in its pure form consists of carbon and is together with diamond one of the modifications of the element carbon. The pigment is absolutely stable, lightfast and compatible with all other pigments.
Names
Plumbago, potlot, carbon blackPBk 10, CI 77265From German Graphit, coined 1789 by German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner (1750-1817) from Greek graphein “write”. So called because it was used in making pencils. From Online Etymology Dictionary
Preparation
Graphite can be found in nature as a mineral. The pigment is prepared by purification of the natural material. It can also be prepared synthetically by heating coke to a temperature of 3000 °C.
History of Use
Graphite black had been in use since antiquity.
Quote
Rosalind Elsie Franklin (July 25, 1920 – April 16, 1958) was an English biophysicist and X-ray crystallographer who made important contributions to the understanding of the fine molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal and graphite.
Source: Rosalind Franklin
After working with oil, pastel, and watercolors, I have intentionally returned to working with graphite. It is the most challenging mode of expression to master Wahbi al-Hariri-Rifai (1992), The Spiritual Edifices of Islam: Drawings by Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai - National Museum (Saudi Arabia) Exhibit Booklet - 2002, Washington, D.C.: GDG Exhibits Trust & National Museum (Saudi Arabia), OCLC:56990773, retrieved on 25 June 2013. Quoted from inside cover.
Source: Wahbi Al-Hariri
