Editing Graphite (section)

===Everyday use===

====Pencils====
[[File:Pencils hb.jpg|Graphite pencils|thumb|alt=Graphite pencils]]
The ability to leave marks on paper and other objects gave graphite its name, given in 1789 by German mineralogist [[Abraham Gottlob Werner]]. It stems from ''γράφειν ("graphein")'', meaning ''to write'' or ''draw'' in [[Ancient Greek]].<ref name="Brit">[https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/242042/graphite graphite]. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.</ref><ref>{{OEtymD|graphite}}</ref>

From the 16th century, all pencils were made with leads of English natural graphite, but modern pencil lead is most commonly a mix of powdered graphite and clay; it was invented by [[Nicolas-Jacques Conté]] in 1795.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/print/7942sci4.html | title =Pencils & Pencil Lead | author =Ritter, Steve | publisher=[[American Chemical Society]] | date =October 15, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/kzage/ithistory.html | title=The History of the Pencil | publisher=[[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign]] | access-date=2013-02-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317005153/http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/kzage/ithistory.html | archive-date=2015-03-17 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It is chemically unrelated to the metal [[lead]], whose ores had a similar appearance, hence the continuation of the name. '''Plumbago''' is another older term for natural graphite used for [[drawing]], typically as a lump of the mineral without a wood casing. The term [[plumbago drawing]] is normally restricted to 17th and 18th-century works, mostly portraits.

Today, pencils are still a small but significant market for natural graphite. Around 7% of the 1.1&nbsp;million tonnes produced in 2011 was used to make pencils.<ref name="galaxycapital">{{cite web | url =http://www.galaxycapitalcorp.com/sites/default/files/110720%20-%20Electric%20Graphite%20-%20Initiating%20Coverage.pdf | title =Electric Graphite Growing Demand From Electric Vehicles & Mobile Electronics | publisher =galaxycapitalcorp.com | date =July 20, 2011 | access-date =February 15, 2013 | archive-date =October 4, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215128/http://www.galaxycapitalcorp.com/sites/default/files/110720%20-%20Electric%20Graphite%20-%20Initiating%20Coverage.pdf | url-status =dead }}</ref> Low-quality amorphous graphite is used and sourced mainly from China.<ref name=usgs/>

In art, graphite is typically used to create detailed and precise drawings, as it allows for a wide range of values (light to dark) to be achieved. It can also be used to create softer, more subtle lines and shading. Graphite is popular among artists because it is easy to control, easy to erase, and produces a clean, professional look. It is also relatively inexpensive and widely available. Many artists use graphite in conjunction with other media, such as charcoal or ink, to create a range of effects and textures in their work.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sybariscollection.com/art-technique-graphite-medium/ | title = ART TECHNIQUE-GRAPHITE AS A MEDIUM | author =Not known | publisher=[[Sybaris]] | date =January 29, 2018}}</ref> Graphite of various hardness or softness results in different qualities and tones when used as an [[artistic medium]].<ref name="SBTCModule6">{{cite web|title=Module 6: Media for 2-D Art|url=http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Module-6.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809171125/http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Module-6.pdf |archive-date=2012-08-09 |url-status=live|publisher=Saylor.org|access-date=2 April 2012}}</ref>

====Pinewood derby====
Graphite is probably the most-used lubricant in [[Pinewood derby|pinewood derbies]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pinewoodderbycars.com/Top-5-Speed-Tips-for-Your-Pinewood-Derby-Car-a/277.htm | title=Top 5 Speed Tips for Your Pinewood Derby Car | publisher=S&W Crafts Mfg. | access-date=July 28, 2022 }}</ref>