In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a rigid three-dimensional tetrahedral lattice, making it extremely hard and an electrical insulator. In graphite, carbon atoms are arranged in layers of hexagonal rings, with weak van der Waals forces between the layers. This layered structure allows the layers to slide past each other easily, making graphite soft, smooth, and slippery. Graphite also conducts electricity because of delocalized electrons within its layers.