What is graphite a metal?

Graphite is not a metal but a form of carbon that is a good electrical conductor. It has a hexagonal crystal structure and is often used as a lubricant and in electrodes for batteries and electrical equipment. Graphite is also used in the manufacturing of pencils due to its ability to leave a mark on paper. It is a form of allotrope of carbon, along with diamond and fullerenes. Graphite is unique because of its layered structure, which gives it a slippery, smooth feel. It is widely available in nature and is used in many industrial applications such as refractory materials, nuclear reactors, and aerospace components.