Which form of carbon is the primary material used in pencil leads?
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Graphite
Graphite is a form of pure carbon. It was mistakenly called 'plumbago' (Latin for lead ore) for centuries, which is why we still refer to the core of a pencil as 'lead' today.
Also asked as:
- What specific allotrope of carbon is used to make the 'lead' in modern pencils?