Abstract:Precise determination of rock deformation processes has important implications for to understanding the tectono- thermal evolution processes of deep to shallow crustal processes. This study focuses on graphite- bearing rocks that have different deformation and metamorphism in the Ailaoshan- Red River shear zone. It presents detailed deformation structural characteristics, mineral lattice preferred orientation (LPO), graphite Raman spectrum temperature by combined analysis of optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with electron back- scattering diffraction (EBSD), and Raman spectra. In the high- grade metamorphic and weakly deformed graphite bearing gneiss, graphite crystals show sheet and strip shapes as well as kink deformed structures. In the metamorphic and mylonitic schist and phyllite, the graphite aggregates show plastic to superplastic flow structural characteristics, and fine- grained graphite aggregate are enriched to form micro- slip zones or sliding planes, indicating “dry” lubrication of rheological weakening. In the low- grade metamorphic and weakly deformed carbonaceous slate, it shows low graphite order and dispersed distribution. EBSD LPO patterns show that graphite develops prism (type- Ⅰ), rhombic (types- Ⅱ and Ⅲ), to low- temperature basal (type- Ⅳ) lattice slip systems, and the corresponding Raman geological temperature range of graphite is 600~500℃, 530~460℃, 450~400℃. It is proposed that the dislocation slip system of deformed graphite has the evolution characteristics similar to that of quartz and can be used as a deformation thermometer.