Diamonds grow like trees, but over millions of years
Monday, September 16, 2013 - 06:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Diamonds consist of highly compressed carbon atoms and develop deep underground at relatively high pressures and temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius. Earth scientists from VU University Amsterdam show that diamonds often have 'growth rings' similar to trees: due to changes in temperature and composition, the chemical composition in the growth zones changes, which leads to the development of 'rings' in the diamond. In addition, the scientists show that diamonds take millions of years to grow. Moreover, diamonds are often half as old as the Earth. Daphne Wiggers de Vries will defend her PhD thesis on this study on Thursday, September 19th.