Psychic Stone Newsletter: Graphite

Scientific Graphite:

Historically, graphite was called "black lead" or "plumbago." Plumbago was commonly used in its massive mineral form. Both of these names arise from confusion with the similar-appearing lead ores, particularly galena. The Latin word for lead, 'plumbum,' gave its name to the English term for this grey metallic-sheened mineral and even to the leadworts or plumbagos, plants with flowers that resemble this color. Its color range is iron-black to steel-gray; deep blue in transmitted light.

Abraham Gottlob Werner coined the name graphite ("writing stone") in 1789. He attempted to clear up the confusion between molybdena, plumbago and black lead after Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1778 proved that there are at least three different minerals. Scheele's analysis showed that the chemical compounds molybdenum sulfide (molybdenite), lead(II) sulfide (galena) and graphite were three different soft black minerals.

Graphite, is a crystalline allotrope of carbon, a semimetal, a native element mineral, and a form of coal. Graphite is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. Therefore, it is used in thermochemistry as the standard state for defining the heat of formation of carbon compounds. The principal types of natural graphite, each occurring in different types of ore deposits are: Crystalline small flakes of graphite (or flake graphite) occurs as isolated, flat, plate-like particles with hexagonal edges if unbroken. When broken the edges can be irregular or angular; Amorphous graphite: very fine flake graphite is sometimes called amorphous; Lump graphite (or vein graphite) occurs in fissure veins or fractures and appears as massive platy intergrowths of fibrous or acicular crystalline aggregates, and is probably hydrothermal in origin.

Graphite crystals are rare and very brittle. Graphite specimens will leave smudges when handled and stored.

Graphite Uses:

Natural graphite is mostly consumed for refractories, batteries, steelmaking, brake linings, foundry facings and lubricants.

Graphite Sources:

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), world production of natural graphite in 2016 was 1,200,000 tonnes, of which the following major exporters are: China (780 kt), India (170 kt), Brazil (80 kt), Turkey (32 kt) and North Korea (30 kt).[9] Graphite is not mined in the United States, but U.S. production of synthetic graphite in 2010 was 134 kt valued at $1.07 billion.

Metaphysical Uses of Graphite:

Graphite assists in chakra alignment healing.

Assists to help one take command of ones life.

Stimulates mathematical prowess.

Brings forth communication skills.

Graphite helps to reduce anger and hostility.

Graphite is a beneficial stone for writers to use as it improves your writers gifts.

Stimulates thinking.

Using Graphite in meditation may trigger the psychic gift of automatic writing.

It has a helpful energy for healing, as it is a good conductor of electricity.

Physical Uses of Graphite:

Said be used to help treat cataracts.