October 13, 2021

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Diamonds

Did you know that it rains diamonds on Uranus and Neptune? Recently scientists have been able to recreate the extreme pressures that exist at the bottom of the hydrocarbon-rich oceans of slush on these gas giants.

Researchers were able to produce this "diamond rain" using carbon polystyrene and high-powered lasers. The diamonds are only nanometers in length, but the experiment proves what the environmental extremes on these planets can produce.

But if it 'rains' diamonds on Uranus and Neptune, what do people there give each other there for an engagement?

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Can You Guess What The MUST-HAVE Item In Your Home Of 2021 IS?

Today's Random Fact:

A diamond is the hardest natural substance on earth, but if it is placed in an oven and the temperature is raised to about 1405 degrees Fahrenheit, it will simply vanish, without even ash remaining. Only a little carbon dioxide will have been released.

A diamond is 58 times harder than the next hardest mineral on earth, corundum, from which rubies and sapphires are formed. It was only during the 15th century that it was discovered that the only way to cut diamonds was with other diamonds. Yet, diamonds are brittle. If you hit one hard with a hammer, it will shatter.

Bonus Fact:

The world's largest diamond was the Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed 3,106.75 carats uncut. It was cut into the Great Star of Africa, weighing 530.2 carats, the Lesser Star of Africa, which weighs 317.40 carats, and 104 other diamonds of nearly flawless color and clarity. They now form part of the British crown jewels.

Not all diamonds are white. Impurities lend diamonds a shade of blue, red, orange, yellow, green and even black. A green diamond is the rarest. It is not the rarest gemstone, however. That title goes to a pure red ruby. Diamonds actually are found in fair abundance; thousands are mined every year. 80% of them are not suitable for jewelry - they are used in industry. Only diamonds of higher clarity are sourced to the jewelry stores.