Term: natural graphite
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.N04088

Definition:
A mineral found in nature. It consists of graphitic carbon regardless of its crystalline perfection.

Note: Some natural graphites, often in the form of large flakes, show very high crystalline perfection. Occasionally, they occur as single crystals of @G02684@. The use of the term natural @G02684@ as a synonym for the term '@G02684@ single crystal' is incorrect and should be avoided. Varieties of natural @G02684@ with lower structural perfection are classified as 'microcrystalline natural @G02684@'. Commercial natural @G02684@ is often contaminated with other minerals, e.g. silicates, and may contain @R05385@ due to intensive milling.

Related Terms:
1) graphite (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02684).
2) rhombohedral graphite (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05385).
3) graphitic carbon (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02689).

Source: PAC, 1995, 67, 473. 'Recommended terminology for the description of carbon as a solid (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)' on page 497 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199567030473)

Citation: 'natural graphite' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.N04088

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