The wooden pencil is a widespread writing tool and everybody has at least one.
However, only some people may pay attention to its consistency and how it was created.
This article will reveal the making of this convenient device and answer the questions
about what minerals are in a pencil.
What Minerals Are Used in a HB Pencil Lead?
You might have wondered that the pencil lead consist of lead (the chemical element),
but believe it or not, the “lead” doesn’t refer to the chemical element. Don’t worry,
you are not the one who is confused by this matter, but the the “lead” occured because
of the lack of expertise and real graphite resembled lead, thus they began to call it black
lead. Additionally, lead is a kind of metal, that is not appropriate for writing.
That is why, it must be made from component that can produce traces
on any surface, but usually on paper. Graphite is the most appropriate and ideal material
for this particular task. Thus, people started to mix graphite powder and clay; while graphite
is a pure mineral, clay consists of different minerals.
Black Lead
In the middle ages, writing tools were created by tightening up a piece of black lead
between two rounded wooden dies, since black lead can leave dark writing.
As time passed, the technique for making graphite had improved.
People found out that changing the quantity of graphite powder and rock clay
allowed for regulating the core’s hardness and softness.
Afterwards, the prepared blend was exposed to an open fire for some time in a
specially designed furnace, which made the product hard enough to withstand any
surface and not crumble. Actually, this technique is still being used by current
manufacturers, but, some of the exterior appearance was slightly changed.
As a result, the amount of graphite powder can be adjusted according to what
lead the manufacturer wishes to get: the more black powder added, the blacker
the core is, and usually, it is equal to 30 percent.
Clay Material
Rock clay is another element that is important for creating the lead for a pencil.
First of all, the rock clay is needed because of its hardening features.
Another advantage is that it gives rigidity to the product. Therefore, while graphite
powder makes lead softer, the rock clay makes it more rigid. That is why the amount
of clay can also be adjusted depending on what type of lead the manufacturer wishes to
create. However, pencil core consists at least of two sorts of rock clay: calcium bentonite
and Georgia kaolin clay, and their percentage is about 60 to 40 percent respectively.
Sum Up
Everyone write with wooden pencils, your curiosity about what they are made
from allowed you to find out more about this handy tool. As you can see, the
content of the lead is not so complicated and now you know all the facts related
to what forms a pencil and what types of minerals it is made up of.
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