Pure
graphite is a mineral form of the element carbon (atomic number 6) and
its symbol is C. It forms in veins in metamorphic rocks as the result of
the metamorphism of organic material included in limestone deposits. It
is an extremely soft mineral at 1 to 2 on Mohs' hardness scale. It is
black and has a black streak. "Streak is the color of a mineral
when it is crushed to a powder". For centuries due to its softness
and streak, It has been used mostly in making "Lead" for pencils.
Crystals are uncommon,
but when they occur, they are found as rough, six-sided
(hexagonal) flakes, as in the drawing. It breaks into minute,
flexible flakes that easily slide over one another. Mineralogists call
this basal cleavage.
This feature is
the cause of graphite?s distinctive greasy feel. It is this greasy
characteristic that makes graphite a good lubricant. Because it is a
solid material, it is known as a dry lubricant. Graphite is the
only non-metal element that is a good conductor of electricity. In
nature, graphite is found in two distinct forms, flake graphite
and lump graphite. Lump graphite is more compact than flake and
lacks the distinctive flaking mentioned earlier.
Name
The Name Graphite was named
from the Greek Verb graphein meaning to write, Since graphite was used
in the manufacture of pencils. The name was given by Abraham Gottlob
Werner in 1789.
Its "Old World" (that is, old
European) name was plumbago which means black lead, a
reference to its use in pencils.
Sources
It is estimated that the
world reserves of graphite exceed 800 million tons. China is the most
significant graphite-producing nation, providing nearly one-half of the
United States? annual graphite demand. Flake graphite is also imported
to the United States from Brazil, Canada, and Madagascar. Lump graphite
is imported from Sri Lanka. Graphite resources in the United States are
very small. At one time a significant deposit at Ticonderoga, New York,
was exploited, but this source no longer produces graphite. For a number
of years, the United States has not produced natural mineral graphite
and is completely dependent on the combination of imported, synthetic
graphite, and recycled graphite sources.
Uses
Because graphite flakes slip over one another, giving it
its greasy feel, graphite has long been used as a lubricant in
applications where ?wet? lubricants, such as oil, can not be used.
Technological changes are reducing the need for this
application.
Natural graphite is used mostly in what are called
refractory applications. Refractory applications are those
that involve extremely high heat and therefore demand materials that
will not melt or disintegrate under such extreme conditions. One example
of this use is in the crucibles used in the steel industry. Such
refractory applications account for the majority of the usage of
graphite.
It is also used to make brake linings, lubricants, and
molds in foundries. A variety of other industrial uses account for the
remaining graphite consumed each year.
Substitutes and Alternative Sources
Molybdenum disulfide is a good dry lubricant substitute
for graphite. However, unlike graphite, molybdenum disulfide is not as
stable in oxidizing conditions. Manufactured graphite powder can be used
in the steel industry. However, as long as graphite deposits remain
abundant, and the cost of raw graphite remains low, producing large
quantities of manufactured graphite will be unnecessary for many years
to come.
GRAPHITE IN
TANZANIA
Graphite in Tanzania is found
in Mererani where Tanzanite gemstones are mined, Mererani is a district
within the Arusha Region. There is another region also in Tanzania where
graphite is also found but we cannot disclose that place in the public
domain, We happen to own that area its a huge area it can produce
up to 1000 tons weekly and also its graphite it has 99% Graphite Content
compare to the Mererani which is less in content due its mixture with
pyrity.
Graphite availability in
Mererani its not that huge production. Infact when you reach Mererani
all the Tanzanite Miners are dark in colours due to the sand coming out
in the holes where Tanzanite gemstones are mined. All the Miners their
clothes are covered with Graphite Dark dust. Infact for any experienced
Tanzanite Miner when you reach a belt where there is a lot of
graphite within the vein and also the Graphite is adhered with Pyrite
then you know anytime you will reach the Tanzanite gemstones
pockets.
There was a Company which was
Mining Graphite from South Africa in Mererani but 2 years ago they did
close their Company Production Unit. But they were producing enough for
the supply in South Africa Market.
Graphite
flakes
stocks
OUR STOCKS / ORDER
SPECIFICATIONS
Smaller Pieces - 200 gms To 600
gms.
Larger Pieces - 500 gms TO 100
Kilogram Single Pieces.
Minimum Order Supply - 100 TONS.
Maximum Supply Per Order -
5000 TONS.
PRICE & SHIPPING COSTS (FOB/CIF), SEND US AN
EMAIL FOR THE QUOTATION.
sales@seabgems.com
