Imagine a world where diamonds, a symbol of luxury and wealth, become accessible to everyone. Scientists have recently made a groundbreaking advancement in technology that allows synthetic diamonds to be produced in just minutes at a fraction of the cost. Unlike natural diamonds, which are rare and formed under extreme conditions within Earth, these man-made gems are crafted swiftly using innovative techniques.
How are diamonds made? Diamonds are formed when carbon atoms under high temperature and pressure come together. Traditionally, creating diamonds in labs required similar extreme conditions, involving temperatures around 1,600 degrees Celsius and pressures of 50,000 atmospheres. This process was not only expensive but also time-consuming, taking up to 12 days to produce a small diamond.
What's the new technology? Researchers from the Korea Institute for Basic Science have developed a new method using a liquid metallic solution made of gallium, iron, nickel, and silicon. By introducing a mixture of hydrogen and methane gases and applying heat and pressure, they were able to create thin diamond layers in minutes at just 1,025 degrees Celsius using significantly less pressure than before.
What does this mean for the future? This innovation could drastically reduce the cost and increase the availability of diamonds, potentially transforming industries from jewelry to manufacturing. Scientists are optimistic that with further development, this technology will soon be ready for commercial use, making diamonds more affordable for a broader audience.