Laboratory Diamonds at Normal Pressure: Only 15 Minutes Needed

The saying “diamonds are forever” has taken on new meaning thanks to a recent scientific breakthrough. South Korean researchers have developed a method to grow diamonds in the laboratory without the need for the extreme pressure and temperature conditions typically associated with their formation. By using a liquid metal alloy composed of gallium, iron, nickel, and silicon, and exposing it to methane and hydrogen gas at a temperature of 1,025°C, they managed to synthesize diamonds in just 15 minutes. This technique, detailed in Nature (link to the study), opens up potential advancements in various industrial sectors.

The creation of synthetic diamonds is not new. Scientists and engineers have been working for decades to replicate the extreme conditions found deep within the Earth that give rise to these precious gems. However, traditional methods still require enormous pressures, around 50,000 atmospheres, and temperatures of about 1,500°C. These challenging and costly conditions limit the size and quality of the diamonds produced.