A method for the production of carbon particles comprising selecting a precursor material, sizing said precursor material, stabilizing said precursor material, carbonizing said precursor material, and graphitizing said precursor material, wherein the precursor material has a volatile matter content of from about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. %. A method for the production of electrode materials comprising selecting a precursor material, sizing said precursor material, stabilizing said precursor material, carbonizing said precursor material, and graphitizing said precursor material, wherein said electrode material has an average particle size of from about 1 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, a fixed carbon content of greater than about 80 wt. %, and a graphitic structure. A carbon particle having an average particle size of from about 1 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, a degree of stabilization of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, a fixed carbon content of greater than about 80 wt. %, and a graphitic structure.