Buckyballs containing potassium ion. Molecular graphic of two buckyball (Buckminsterfullerene, C60) molecules each containing a potassium ion colored silver. Until the discovery of Buckminsterfullerene (C60) in 1985 carbon had been thought to exist as only two allotropes: graphite and diamond. The new allotrope, nicknamed buckyball, was found to consist of 60 carbon atoms (colored gold) linked together in hexagons and pentagons to form a football-shaped sphere. Scientists have since discovered a whole family of fullerenes, whose novel physical and chemical properties are being exploited to produce new catalysts, lubricants and superconductors.