allotropes of carbon

The allotropes of carbon are the different molecular configurations (allotropes) that pure carbon can take. These allotropes include:

The system of carbon allotropes spans a range of extremes. Between diamond and graphite:

Diamond is hardest mineral known to man, but graphite is one of the softest.
Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, but graphite is a very good lubricant.
Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, but graphite is a conductor of electricity.
Diamond is usually transparent, but graphite is opaque.
Diamond crystallizes in the isometric system but graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system.

Between amorphous carbon and nanotubes:

Amorphous carbon is among the easiest materials to synthesize, but carbon nanotubes are extremely expensive to make.
Amorphous carbon is completely isotropic, but carbon nanotubes are among the most anisotropic materials ever produced.

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