Question: are number 2 pencils graphite?
Answer: Well, it all has to do with the HB graphite grading scale used to classify the pencil's graphite core. ... The hardness of the graphite core is often marked on the pencil — look for a number (such as “2” “2-1/2” or “3”) — and the higher the number, the harder the writing core and the lighter the mark left on the paper.