Diamonds have traditionally been associated with luxury and durability, as they form under extreme pressure and heat deep under the Earth’s mantle. But what if we tell you that diamond making in 15 minutes could be a new possibility without the harsh conditions? Scientists are coming close to that reality.
Where Diamonds Are Found?
Natural diamonds grow deep below the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure (gigapascals) and high temperatures (about 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,500 degrees Celsius). The current strategy for producing synthetic diamonds is to mimic this environment (which is employed in 99% of them). The High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) technique absorbs carbon in molten metal (such as iron), which then crystallizes around a pre-existing diamond seed.
A team led by Dr. Rodney Ruoff, a physical chemist at South Korea’s Institute for Basic Science, has developed a new technology that overcomes the limits of existing procedures. Their study, published in the prominent magazine Nature on April 24th, details a process that:
- Operates at normal atmospheric pressure (no need for extreme pressure chambers)
- Doesn’t require a starter diamond seed
How Does Diamond Making in 15 Minutes Work?
The researchers created a customized room that can be ready for trials in just 15 minutes. Inside this structure, a chamber containing a particular metal composition (details are still not precise) is exposed to superheated, carbon-rich methane. This unusual combination causes the carbon atoms in the gas to bind and create a diamond structure.
While the specific process behind this new diamond making technique is still being investigated, its potential significance is already apparent. Dr. Ruoff, the lead researcher, is optimistic about its commercial viability, stating, “For over a decade, I’ve been exploring new methods to develop diamonds… I believe we can achieve this in surprising, efficient ways.” He anticipates that within a year or two, the world will have a clearer understanding of the possible commercial impact of this technology.
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This breakthrough of diamond making in 15 minutes, has the potential to completely transform the diamond industry. Lab-grown diamonds, once a luxury, could become more accessible and affordable, opening up new possibilities for consumers. This could also lead to significant advancements in industries that rely on diamonds, such as cutting and polishing equipment or electronics. What are your thoughts? Could this new technology make diamonds more affordable and less exclusive? Would you consider a lab-grown diamond made in 15 minutes? Share your ideas!
