This non-metallic element has been known since the beginning of mankind. About 1 million compounds known to us contain carbon than all the other elements combined.
Carbon is found in abundance in the sun, stars and comets.
Carbon dioxide is an important part of the atmosphere. Plants, using photosynthesis, convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds which in turn are consumed by other organisms. This is known as the carbon cycle. Amorphous carbon is found in charcoal, coal, coke, carbon black and lampblack. Lampblack is made by burning liquid hydrocarbons, such as kerosene.