Both graphite and diamonds are allotropes of carbon.
Each carbon atoms in diamond undergoes sp³ hybridisation and is linked to four other carbon atoms forming a tetrahedral shape.
Diamond atoms produce a rigid 3-D shape and it is very difficult to break the bonds in diamond and this makes diamond the hardest substance on earth.
Graphite on the other hand is sp² hybridised and forms hexagonal ringed structure and the each carbon atoms make three σ bond and one π bond with neighboring atoms.
Graphite have a less effective covalent bond and so is soft and slippery.
Allotropes - Allotropes are some chemical elements to exist in more than one form.
Diamond is hard because the carbon atoms in diamond are bonded in a stronger tetrahedron pattern but graphite is soft and slippery because the carbon atoms in graphite are bonded in layers with only weak vanderwall force holding the layers together.
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Diamond is hard because the carbon atoms in diamond are bonded in a stronger tetrahedron pattern but graphite is soft and slippery because the carbon atoms in graphite are bonded in layers with only weak vanderwall force holding the layers together.
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