Why can we break graphite when it is made of graphene which is like 40 times more harder than diamond?(according to google)
In: Chemistry
Since no one has added it, pencil graphite isn’t straight carbon. It [has clay mixed in](https://pencils.com/pages/hb-graphite-grading-scale) to soften it. That’s why you have No. 2 pencils.
But the main reason has to do with shear strength vs compressive strength and their relationship with hardness.
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