GRAPHITE
Specimen gra-1

Dims: 3-3/8" x 2-7/8" x 1-1/2"

Wt: 6.18 oz

Yuenan, China

A rather large chunk, this Graphite specimen has the obligatory bright gray metallic color and luster, low density, and softness that is expected of this form of elemental carbon. On a broad flattened side of the specimen, there seems to be a definite direction of formation. There is no host or matrix rock-- just 6 ounces of carbon. There is a piece of paper that is included with the specimen, saying that it "was saved from the old Commercial Museum, before it burned down".(does anybody know where this may have been?)

Dims: 1.6" x 1.2" x 0.9"(4.1 x 3.0 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 27.2 g

Chilson Hill, Ticonderoga, Essex County, New York, U.S.A.

This rather unusual specimen boasts many rounded, flat crystals of Graphite, a form of elemental carbon. The crystals have a dark gray color and metallic luster, and do not exceed 0.5"(1.3 cm) in diameter. Though no complete, singular hexagonal crystals are discernable, there are several crystals that have one or two definite crystal faces at 60-degree angles, denoting hexagonal shape. The host rock looks like a form of serpentine, as it shows a greenish color, but could be a feldspar of some sort. I have never seen graphite crystals before we got this specimen.

Dims: 3.0" x 1.9" x 1.2" (7.6 x 4.8 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 3.70 oz. (104.8 g)

not yet determined

Unfortunately, we have misplaced this specimen's documentation, so I cannot yet tell you its locality. However, it is a moderately-sized hand specimen that is made up almost entirely of warped and formless sheets of Graphite. They have the standard dark gray color and dull metallic luster that one expects of this material. There seem to be several tiny patches of reddish coloration scattered on its surface; if I did not know better, I would think that there was a percentage of hematite in this specimen, but it is not heavy enough for that. Thus, I really do not know what could cause these red patches. The Graphite shows no evidence of crystal form, and there is no host rock present.

Dims: 2.5" x 2.0" x 1.8" (6.4 x 5.1 x 4.6 cm)

Wt: 2.7 oz. (76.0 g)

unknown

This small hand specimen consists entirely of heavily-intergrown Graphite sheets. However, some of the material is nearly massive, and there even appear to be some discernable crystal faces on the specimen. There is a considerable amount of damage to it, but it is difficult to tell whether or not the damage is fresh. The Graphite has the standard dark gray coloration, metallic luster, and almost soapy tactile texture that are characteristics of this material. It is also a bit powdery in some areas, and handling it a lot can get a bit messy. There is no host rock discernable.