What is graphite primarily recognized as?

Graphite is primarily recognized as a form of carbon. It is an allotrope of carbon, which means it is one of the different forms in which carbon can exist. In graphite, carbon atoms are arranged in layers of hexagonal lattices, which is what gives it its characteristic properties, such as being a good conductor of electricity and having a slippery feel. Graphite is commonly used in pencils, lubricants, and batteries, among other applications.

Other options do not accurately describe graphite. Calcium, chalk (which is a form of calcium carbonate), and liquid pigments do not relate to the structural and chemical identity of graphite as a carbon allotrope. Understanding this distinction is vital in the study of chemistry and material properties.