Graphite is a mineral made purely of carbon which can be used to mark surfaces as it has a hexagonal crystal structure. In fine arts, graphite refers to the material used in pencils which works well with paper as it can create tones and textures. It's use as a prominent tool in sketching and drawing has gained wide acceptance since its invention in England during the 16th century. It has become a common tool for artists due to its low cost, easiness to erase, and ability to create fine details. Artists like da Vinci from Italy who is known for his extensive studies and sketches of human body parts, or Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres who is well known for painting detailed portraiture in pencil, have admirably shown the extensiveness of charcoal's usage from sketches to advanced pieces of art. Today, this mineral is recognized for being a major form of art especially due to its ease of obtaining and having no complex means of usage while bringing out beauty through shading and sharp details.