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An elementary substance, not metallic in its nature, which
is present in all organic compounds. Atomic weight 11.97. Symbol C. it
is combustible, and forms the base of lampblack and charcoal, and
enters largely into mineral coals. In its pure crystallized state it
constitutes the diamond, the hardest of known substances, occuring in
monometric crystals like the octahedron, etc. Another modification is
graphite, or blacklead, and in this it is soft, and occurs in hexagonal
prisms or tables. When united with oxygen it forms carbon dioxide,
commonly called carbonic acid, or carbonic oxide, according to the
proportions of the oxygen; when united with hydrogen, it forms various
compounds called hydrocarbons. Compare Diamond, and Graphite. |
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