The diamonds they star in various phrases (sayings, idioms, etc.) that have become clichés concerning human behaviors.
For example, they are eternal, hence their durability is invoked to suggest their suitability for the expression of eternal love.
“Diamonds in the rough” are attributed to people who have potential that they have not yet been able to manage to their full potential.
It’s also rough, with the idiom describing someone who has hidden potential that may not be impressive at first glance.
There’s also “may you be a diamond in a world of stones” and of course “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” established by Marilyn Monroe.
The common component of all is the peculiarity of the mineral that begins as carbon and after billions of years is under pressure (from 50,000 to 60,000 times that of the atmosphere), hundreds of kilometers below the earth’s surface, with heat that often reaches 1200 degrees Celsius, it becomes a diamond.
How; Carbon atoms are linked in a specific three-dimensional structure that gives diamonds their unique properties, namely, their incredible hardness and brilliant luster.
By the way, the “pressure makes diamonds” is another cliché about people who become stronger through adversity.
For half a century many research laboratories have been trying to find ways to make diamonds simpler and faster and of course, available cheaper.
A cross with the best quality 5.5 carat natural diamonds that have all the certifications costs $22,000. The same one with man-made diamonds is worth $5,500.
The other side of the coin is that natural diamonds never lose their value, while man-made diamonds have no resale value, according to experts.
In any case, however, as informed by Financial Times the market for natural diamonds (which are sometimes mined in controversial – even unethical – ways) has already been hit by artificial ones. And the reason is the preference they enjoy from Gen Z.
The latest development concerns the publication of a study done by researchers from the Institute of Basic Science in South Korea.
They discovered a new method that creates diamond at atmospheric pressure in just 150 minutes an hour. This is made possible by using a special liquid metal alloy.
This is a very special development, with the researchers who achieved it confident that the process can be scaled up to make a significant difference in the production of synthetic diamonds.
Their goal is to apply the synthesis technology they discovered, in large industries, with more characteristic ones of semiconductors (semiconductors present in any smart function) and machines.
South Korea Institute of Basic Science.
The researchers said that “Korea will be able to lead the relevant industries by rapidly expanding its scope in the future.”
Until then, the classic recipe of high pressure and high temperature will remain the standard for making natural and most synthetic diamonds.
