Newly Minted Diamonds from Lab Exceed Earthly Diamonds in Hardness by a Factor of Two
Scientists Successfully Create Sizable Meteorite Diamonds in Laboratory
A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the world of materials science, as scientists have successfully created sizable samples of meteorite diamonds, also known as lonsdaleite or hexagonal diamonds, in a laboratory. These diamonds, predicted to be significantly harder than conventional Earth diamonds, could potentially revolutionize industrial technology.
The breakthrough came from replicating the extreme pressures and temperatures caused by meteorite impacts, using advanced techniques such as diamond anvil cells and high-pressure presses. The resulting samples exhibited clear AB-layering through microscopy and X-ray studies, confirming the formation of lonsdaleite crystals.
The unique structure of lonsdaleite features two repeating layers, making its bonds even tighter and resulting in a hardness up to 58% greater than that of regular diamonds. This superior hardness and durability could open the door to real-world applications in various industries, including industrial drilling tools, electronics, and possibly quantum technologies.
However, while the ability to produce usable quantities has improved, engineering larger-scale or more commercially viable forms remains an ongoing challenge. The next goal is to produce larger, higher-quality hexagonal diamonds for practical applications.
The production of larger, higher-quality hexagonal diamonds could pave the way for advancements in technology and materials science, extending to machine tools, electronics, quantum devices, and thermal management. The hardness and stability of meteorite diamonds could lead to significant impact in these areas.
The discovery of making use of cosmic-grade diamonds built on Earth marks a new chapter in materials science. The team is hopeful to soon prove the full potential of the meteorite diamond's hardness, taking us one step closer to realizing its potential applications in the near future.
While further development is likely needed before widespread commercial adoption is realized, this breakthrough is a significant step forward in the field of materials science and technology.
Footnote:
[1] Nature.com - Scientists create sizable meteorite diamond
[2] ScienceDaily.com - Scientists create sizable meteorite diamonds
[3] The Verge - Scientists create sizable meteorite diamonds in lab
[4] New Scientist - Scientists create sizable meteorite diamonds
[5] BBC News - Scientists create sizable meteorite diamonds
Read also:
- Industrial robots in China are being installed at a faster rate than in both the United States and the European Union, as the global market for these robots faces a downturn.
- Airbus is propelling the advancement in aviation fuel's environmental friendliness
- Sustainable initiatives boosted by Veolia through financially backed eco-friendly projects
- Potential perils of artificial intelligence data facilities to American electrical infrastructure due to fire hazards.
