The facts
What graphite actually is
The species behind graphite is graphite (native element), C; it forms in the hexagonal system.
Metallic/semimetallic conduction in the graphene sheets is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a specific gravity of about 2.09–2.23, with perfect basal {0001}; flakes are flexible but not elastic cleavage.
Where graphite comes from
Commercial material comes from Ticonderoga, Essex County, New York, USA, Sri Lanka (Bogala and Kahatagaha mines) and Pargas, Finland.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How graphite is treated
Untreated. Sold mainly as crystallised specimens and as industrial flake; graphite marks paper, which is the easiest field test against molybdenite.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What graphite is confused with
Watch for Molybdenite, Hematite (specular) and Manganese oxides — these are what turn up sold under this name.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 2.09–2.23, hardness of 1–2, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What graphite is used for
The trades that buy graphite are mineral collecting, technical and precision components and heavy industry. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the piece or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Graphite is 1–2 on the Mohs scale, with perfect basal {0001}; flakes are flexible but not elastic cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What graphite costs
Expect roughly Crystallised specimens $20–$400, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is graphite treated, and how?
Untreated. Sold mainly as crystallised specimens and as industrial flake; graphite marks paper, which is the easiest field test against molybdenite.
Where does graphite come from?
Ticonderoga, Essex County, New York, USA, Sri Lanka (Bogala and Kahatagaha mines) and Pargas, Finland. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is graphite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 1–2 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does graphite cost?
Indicatively Crystallised specimens $20–$400. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is graphite confused with?
Most often Molybdenite, Hematite (specular) and Manganese oxides. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 2.09–2.23, hardness and magnification.
What is graphite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, technical and precision components and heavy industry. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for graphite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about graphite