What material is charcoal made from?

Charcoal is made from burned wood, which is a result of heating wood in the absence of oxygen, a process known as pyrolysis. During this process, the volatile compounds in the wood are driven off, and what remains is a lightweight, porous material that is primarily carbon. This characteristic makes charcoal an excellent medium for drawing, as it can produce rich, deep blacks and various tonal values depending on the pressure applied and the type of surface used.

The production process and composition highlight charcoal's unique properties, which differentiate it from materials such as clay, graphite, or chalk. These other options do not undergo a similar transformation to yield a carbon-rich, easily manipulable medium suitable for artistic purposes.