Graphite is carbon in the form of hexagonal crystalline layers, in which covalent bonding exists between atoms in the layers, and the (parallel) layers are bonded by van der Waals forces, thus leading to highly anisotropic properties. Solution Graphite is carbon in the form of hexagonal crystalline layers, in which covalent bonding exists between atoms in the layers, and the (parallel) layers are bonded by van der Waals forces, thus leading to highly anisotropic properties..