Graphite, SEM

False-coloured scanning electron micrograph of graphite. Graphite is a metallic mineral which is made up of lots of layers of graphene. Graphene is a 2-dimensional sheet of carbon one atom thick, and has been described as a wonder material as it is one of the thinnest, strongest materials so far discovered and conducts electricity more efficiently than copper. To produce this image, graphite was first shredded into smaller pieces by dry milling. Different colours reflect different thicknesses of the material. Diameter of the graphite is approximately 10 micrometres.