The reason pencils can be writing instruments is due to the pencil lead. The material used for pencil lead is graphite. The graphite element is carbon (C), and four carbon atoms are combined. One carbon atom can have four bonds and combine with another element. Diamond is similar to graphite, with four carbon compounds. However, diamonds have four carbon bonds that create a strong covalent bond with other carbons, while graphite has only one weak bond. We can write or draw with a pencil because of this loose combination. When you apply pressure to the pencil with your finger, this weak bond in graphite breaks, leaving some of the crystals damaged. Don’t view it merely as a pencil. It’s a diamond’s cousin. The degree of consanguinity is very, very close.
- Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
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