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In ancient Rome, scribes wrote on papyrus (an early form of paper) with a thin metal rod called a stylus. The rod left a light but readable mark. Some early styluses were made of lead, and these were reasonably effective.

When pieces of rock from a mineral deposit in England were found to be good for marking sheep, the people presumed it was a lead deposit. Then the pieces were made into the first pencils. Chemists said the deposit was actually graphite, a form of carbon, but 'lead pencils' were so popular that the name is still used to this day.

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Is a lead pencil really made with lead?

no a led pencil is made of graphite


Which has the most lead aluminum or pencil lead?

Pencil lead isn't really lead, it is graphite, a form of carbon. Pencil lead doesn't have any lead in it whatsoever.


Can you get lead poisoning from a pencil?

Actually "lead" is compressed graphite which is really harmless


Is pencil lead flammable?

Yes, pencil lead, also known as graphite, is not flammable because it is a form of carbon that does not easily catch fire.


What is the percentage of lead in the lead pencil you are using?

A typical lead pencil does not actually contain lead. The "lead" in a pencil is made of graphite, which is a crystalline form of carbon. Therefore, there is 0% lead in a lead pencil.


Is pencil lead expensive?

Really, it all depends on the buyer. That said, pencil lead can range from $1.00 USD - $10.00 USD. The variation is caused by the different sizes of lead available.


Is a pencil an insulator or a conductor?

Pencil "lead" is not really lead, the metal - Pb. Pencils are made with graphite which is a mineral, an insulator.


What is a pencil ''lead'' really made of?

Pencil "lead" is actually made of a mixture of graphite and clay. The combination of these two materials helps create the darkness and smoothness needed for writing and drawing. Despite its name, there is no actual lead in pencil lead.


Is pencil lead is Pb free?

There is no lead in pencil - Pencil is made from graphite


Which non metal forms the lead' in a pencil?

Pencil "lead" is not really lead, the metal - Pb. Pencils are made with graphite which is a mineral, an insulator.


Can you die from the stuff in a pencil?

Well the stuff in a pencil is lead, if you eat or ingest a lot of it you might die or get really sick.


What mineral is used to make pencil lead?

Graphite is the mineral that is used to make pencil lead. It is a form of carbon that is known for its ability to make marks on paper.