A scale-like graphite and carbon material for a battery electrode which is suitable for use as an electrode material for an aqueous-electrolyte secondary battery, wherein the ratio IG/ID (G value) between the peak area (ID) in a range of 1300 to 1400 cm−1 and the peak area (IG) in a range of 1580 to 1620 cm−1 by Raman spectroscopy spectra, in which an edge surface of the particle of the scale-like graphite is measured with by a Raman microspectrometer, is 5.2 to 100 and the average interplanar spacing d002 of plane (d002) by the X-ray diffraction method is 0.337 nm or less and optical structures of the scale-like graphite have a specific shape; the method for producing the same; a carbon material for a battery electrode and a paste for an electrode containing the material; and a secondary battery having excellent charge/discharge cycle characteristics and high current load characteristics.