ABSTRACT

The stable isotopic composition of carbon in graphites from various localities is in general informative for the genesis of graphite. A differentiation between the origin from carbonates, igneous or biogenic carbon can be established by stable carbon isotope determinations in many cases. On the other hand, it is indispensable to know the influence of various events causing shift of the isotopic ratio. After discussion of origin and stable isotopic composition of graphites, five typical case studies are presented.