Diamond is made of pure carbon and is the hardest material known to man. However, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA, conducted millions of supercomputer simulations to predict the existence of a carbon-based “super-diamond” that is 30% tougher than its traditional counterpart.
Their next challenge is figuring out how to produce the new super-diamond on Earth.
The scientists call this theoretical new material “BC8” — an eight-atom cubic crystal that exhibits extreme resistance to compression, but only exists under pressures surpassing 10 million atmospheres.
Where do such extreme pressures exist? Researchers point to the center of carbon-rich exoplanets, which have considerable mass and experience gigantic pressures reaching millions of atmospheres in their deep interiors. Unfortunately, nobody on Earth will be visiting an exoplanet anytime soon. Our nearest exoplanet neighbor is 4 light-years away (that’s 24 trillion miles).
“The BC8 phase of carbon at ambient conditions would be a new super-hard material that would likely be tougher than diamond,” said Ivan Oleynik, a physics professor at the University of South Florida (USF) and senior author of a paper recently published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.
One of the reasons a diamond is so hard is that each of its carbon atoms form a perfect tetrahedral shape with four neighbors, creating an extremely stable and strong configuration.
“The BC8 structure maintains this perfect tetrahedral nearest-neighbor shape, but without the cleavage planes found in the diamond structure,” explained study co-author and LLNL scientist Jon Eggert.
Minus the cleavage planes, the super-diamond is predicted to offer a 30% greater resistance to compression.
Harnessing the power of Frontier, the world’s fastest supercomputer, the team performed multi-million atomic molecular-dynamics simulations and learned that BC8 can only be synthesized within a very narrow range of pressures and temperatures.
The team at LLNL dreams of one day growing BC8 super-diamonds in the laboratory. If they are eventually successful, the new super-diamond could lead to advancements in manufacturing, space exploration and technology. Whether the new material will have applications for the jewelry industry has yet to be determined.
Credit: Image by Mark Meamber/LLNL.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
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Great event. Thank you Huntsville ... See MoreSee Less
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
We carry ONLY Natural Gemological Institute of America Certified diamonds. All shapes and sizes are available. All colors and clarities.
1.00 carat and larger diamonds are our specialty. Set your new diamond in some of our most beautiful and unique settings or custom design your dream ring.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online: www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
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Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
As your love grows, so should your diamond. Let us craft a custom ring that celebrates your journey together. Start your timeless upgrade today.💍✨
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That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
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🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
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Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
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Gorgeous
💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
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Very pretty.
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Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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Wish I could click the “Love” and “Wow” Buttons at the same time.