Why is graphite gray, and not clear like diamond, if both are composed of carbon?
Graphite has the same chemical composition as Diamond, but the two have radically different properties. Graphite is a 1 – 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, diamond is a 10 – the hardest substance. Greater heat and pressure exerted on the carbon to produce the diamond, which changed the properties to give it the clear appearance. Contributing to this is the difference in density. Graphite density average is 2.16. Diamond density average is 3.51.
