Natural graphite is chiefly found in Ceylon, Madagascar, the USA and Siberia. It forms a scaly opaque mass that can be easily split and has an oily feel. Natural graphite consists of up to 98% crystalline graphite, is very soft and an electrical and thermal conductor. Natural graphite does not dissolve in acids or bases and is non-magnetic under normal conditions. The pronounced layered structure of graphite leads to a clear anisotropy of its physical characteristics. Electrical and thermal conductivity and thermal coefficient of expansion longitudinally or vertically relative to the direction of the layers differ in size. The material can split easily parallel to its layers, the basis for its excellent tribological characteristics. Natural graphite sublimates at a temperature of 3825 degrees Celsius.

The characteristics profile of natural graphite rarely fits an application. The crystalline form, for example, exhibits about four times the thermal expansion of most technical graphite materials. High temperature applications would therefore be impossible in the majority of cases. The chief strength of technical graphite materials lies in its adaptability to suit specific requirements, so that these are almost exclusively used today, with natural graphite being used as a raw material in production.