Carbon has been known and used since ancient times. There are records of it in ancient recollections. However, it was not recognized as an element until much later. The name comes from the Latin word “carbo” which means, “Charcoal”. Carbon in its forms of charcoal, soot and coal has been used since prehistoric times. Carbon as diamond has also been known since ancient times. Soot, graphite, and diamonds are all forms of carbon. Harry Kroto discovered a fourth form, called buckminsterfullerene, a few years ago. The framework of C60 is close to what we see as a soccer ball with the pentagon shapes forming a spherical structure.
http://www.webelements.com/carbon/
November 1, 2012, 1:07 pm