Carbon; C; Atomic number 6; Atomic mass 12.01 ??ctivated charcoal granules are an impure amorphous carbon. Carbon is probably the most important element for a world of carbon based lifeforms. Nonmetallic??nd??etravalent, its four??lectrons?form??ovalent??hemical bonds. Charcoal can be used as a source of carbon in chemical reactions. Charcoal is widely used as a filtering medium to remove unwanted substances including colours, gasses, odours, toxins, poisons and organic compounds. Diamonds are the purest form of carbon but its use as a fuel for smelting iron has probably been its biggest impact. Carbon fibre, a reinforced polymer, is extremely strong and used in constructions where low weight and strength are required, like aerospace.