How does the molecular structure of graphite relate to its properties?

Graphite is carbon-based, formed of multiple sheets of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bound to three neighbouring carbon atoms by covelent bonds, leaving a free electron which can conduct current through the graphite, similar to metallic bonds. These covalent bonds are very strong and give graphite a high melting and boiling point, like other carbon allotropes. The sheets of graphene bind each other by weaker intermolecular forces to form graphite, which is why the compound is used in pencils and lubrication (sheets slide off one another easily).