Which is the strongest known naturally occurring material?
Quick Answer
Graphene is often cited as the strongest known naturally occurring material, with exceptional tensile strength and flexibility. It is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.
The Full Story
Graphene is widely regarded as one of the strongest known materials, and the strongest among those based on naturally occurring carbon structures. It consists of a single atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern. Its tensile strength has been measured at around 130 gigapascals in laboratory studies, far exceeding steel by weight. Graphene is also highly conductive and extremely light. Although it is not a bulk mineral in the usual sense, its extraordinary properties have made it a major focus of materials science.
Key Facts
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