What is Allotropes of carbon?
There are several '''allotropes of carbon'''. [[Diamond]] and [[graphite]] are the most famous. Graphite is a [[conduction|conductor]], a semimetal (an element that is partially a [[metal]] and a [[nonmetal]], such as [[black phosphorus]] and [[grey selenium]]). It can be used, for instance, as the [[material]] in the [[electrode]]s of an [[electricity|electrical]] arc lamp. Graphite is the most stable form of solid [[carbon]] ever discovered. Allotropes are different forms of the same [[chemical element]]. All elements are made up uniquely of their own [[atom]]s. Any [[matter|physical]] differences are because of how the atoms are joined together. Many elements show [[allotropy]] because there are a number of ways in which the atoms can be linked together. Also there are different ways in how the [[molecule]]s can be arranged to make larger [[structure]]s. Diamond is one of the best known allotropes of carbon. Its hardness and high [[dispersion]] of [[light]] make it good for use in [[jewellery]]. It also has industrial uses. Diamond is the hardest known natural [[minerals|mineral]]. This makes it an excellent [[abrasive]]. A diamond also holds its [[luster (mineralogy)|luster]] well. Both diamond and graphite have extremely high [[melting point]], which is unusual for nonmetallic element. [[File:Eight Allotropes of Carbon.png|thumb|size=0.56]] [[Category:Carbon]]