Why the Pencil Is Yellow episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 22, 2025 · 5 MIN

Why the Pencil Is Yellow

from Unusual Origins – The Strange Beginnings · host Kimberly Hollins

Episode 5 uncovers why pencils are traditionally yellow. The story begins with England's monopoly on natural graphite, shifts to the prestige of Chinese graphite in the 1800s, and explains how the col

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Why the Pencil Is Yellow

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Unusual Origins – The Strange Beginnings?

This episode is 5 minutes long.

When was this Unusual Origins – The Strange Beginnings episode published?

This episode was published on November 22, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Episode 5 uncovers why pencils are traditionally yellow. The story begins with England's monopoly on natural graphite, shifts to the prestige of Chinese graphite in the 1800s, and explains how the col

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