diamonds
Latest about diamonds
![A rendered photo of Mercury with rainbow colors across its surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ygDyXubaZeVyML3msWUUhK-320-80.jpg)
9 miles of solid diamonds may lurk beneath Mercury's surface, new study finds
By Deepa Jain published
New simulations suggest that a 9-mile-thick layer of diamonds may lurk deep below the surface of Mercury. The gems almost certainly can't be mined for bling — but they may help solve some of the planet's biggest mysteries.
![Aerial view of the Argyle diamond mine with exposed earth and infrastructure.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8ipizD2xb6wK5taRyZ3aqV-320-80.jpg)
Argyle mine: Earth's treasure trove of pink diamonds born during a supercontinent's break up
By Sascha Pare published
During 37 years of operations, the now-closed Argyle mine produced more than 865 million carats (191 tons) of rough diamonds and 90% of the world's pink diamonds.
![a diamond](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ePEsYyvmKY9KfnkeLePf5R-320-80.jpg)
Scientists grow diamonds from scratch in 15 minutes thanks to groundbreaking new process
By Deepa Jain published
Scientists have used a new technique to synthesize diamonds at normal, atmospheric pressure and without a starter gem, which could make the precious gemstones easier to grow in the lab.
![The blue hope diamond sits at the middle of a diamond encrusted necklace in a museum case.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CtiCpJCW2tXnhu75eepRra-320-80.jpg)
Scientists may have pinpointed the true origin of the Hope Diamond and other pristine gemstones
By Stephanie Pappas published
Researchers suggest that the famed Golconda diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and Koh-i-noor, may have originated from a volcanic outcrop nearly 200 miles from where they were mined.
![Macro photo of a faceted crystal with purple and pink light effects.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T5JkjfKzh7hjBuLaVqNfhJ-320-80.jpg)
New diamond transistor is a world-1st — paving the way for high-speed computing at the highest temperatures
By Tim Danton published
Scientists have created an n-channel transistor using diamond for the first time, potentially leading to faster components that can work in extreme conditions.
![A close-up image of a diamond's shimmering facets on a rainbow background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L7aYqcxgDhgqCJkm47ty4n-320-80.jpg)
Rare 'super-diamonds' may already exist on other planets, and could be made on Earth, study hints
By Stephanie Pappas published
A simulated form of carbon called BC8, or 'super-diamond', could be 30% tougher than normal diamonds, but synthesizing it on Earth won't be easy.
![Illustration of diamonds erupting from volcano.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Q9X77mjZeZRa5A6txbCLJY-320-80.jpg)
Fountains of diamonds that erupt from Earth's center are revealing the lost history of supercontinents
By Stephanie Pappas published
Diamonds seem to reach Earth's surface in massive volcanic eruptions when supercontinents break up, and they form when continents come together.
![Head of killer whale (Orcinus orca) opening mouth in blue water.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YsGAL7VF6uzmgokjCe2NR6-320-80.jpg)
Our favorite stories about Earth and its creatures this year
By Hannah Osborne published
Dolphins with thumbs and eruptions of diamonds from Earth's center topped our list of favorite stories this year.
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