Graphite has been used by humankind for hundreds of years and is now a key component of many major technologies. This chapter begins by describing the occurrence of natural graphite and the production of synthetic graphite by the Acheson and other processes. The structure of graphite is then outlined and the nature of defects that occur in graphite crystals is described. The chemical and physical properties of graphite are summarised. Two major applications of graphite are then reviewed, namely its use in nuclear power and in lithium-ion batteries. Finally, carbon fibres, which have essentially graphitic structures, are discussed. The structure of carbon fibres is described and the preparation, properties and applications of carbon fibre composites reviewed.