Show the uses of graphite A writer in bradstreets in commenting on the various uses in which graphite figures prominently says not a single iron casting is taken from its sand mold without the sand being first faced with graphite not a gun projectile is cast but the steel is melted in a graphite crucible not a tool not a saw is made but from graphite crucible steel every pound of nickel I 1 copper of composition metal of brass is cast in some way the metal being reduced in in a graphite crucible every printing house for the perfection of its electrotype sis absolutely dependent on graphite every electrician and every department of electrical work comes under the same tribute graphite lubricates friction ways it is notably the most enduring paint pigment and the bulk of the writing done on the globe today is done with a graphite pencil it has ministered to the arts of peace and to the science of war it saves labor and it proves a short cut to desired results in brief not a factor which today contributes but is helped by graphite it is found in great abundance in the island of ceylon in the indian ocean and next in quality are the graphite it mines at derago on lake champia chain plain in 1 new york state the industry is fascinating from the moment the miner drives his drill and all along the line of its being refined until both in usefulness and beauty it reaches perfection fec tion the electric light would shine much less easily but for graphite and the production of steel rails is equally dependent the beautiful mineral has peculiar characteristics characteristics heat and cold and the highest extremes extreme s of both cannot touch it it can bathe in acid as does a pebble in cold water |