Why is graphite grey in color?

Question

Why is graphite grey in color?

Answer 1

Graphites range from steel-gray to black, depending on the type of isotope or allotrope from the element carbon. Their crystals range from steel-gray to black because it is often mixed with iron oxides, quartz and other minerals. Iron oxides range from dark gray to black, giving the graphite its color. Graphite can be extracted from metamorphosed coal beds, which are also dark gray or black.

Answer 2

Actually graphite, if you look carefully enough, has a slightly shiny appearance. This could explain in part why it is grey. The light hitting the surface of graphite is mostly reflected but some is absorbed by little imperfections in the surface, absorbed parts result in black. Basically if you mix black with white you get a kind of grey.