Black Diamonds From Space
We love diamonds around here, that much is obvious. We also like to hear about times when diamonds affect the way we look at our lives and the world around us. That is why we wanted to talk about black diamonds and the idea that they might have fallen from space. Sound crazy? Well, read on, it is actually very interesting. If you want to be a diamond expert then this might be helpful for you in your studies. If nothing else then it is just a fun piece of information that we hope you enjoy. Space is a large place. Anytime we can wrap our hands around it a little bit more then we are doing a great thing.
The Research
The research of black diamonds in space has been opened up to us courtesy of two scientists from Florida International University. They took black diamond samples and they analyzed the hydrogen within them. This was done using infrared detection instruments. The quantity that they found showed them that the mineral was formed in a supernova explosion. This research shed light on a different way that diamonds have been forged.
Black Diamond Formation
Conventional diamonds are formed hundreds of miles below the surface. The high pressure and the heat turn the carbon into these diamonds. Black diamonds do not follow these rules. This is why these black diamonds are never found in the same mining fields where the clear, more classic style of diamond is found. The places that are most common for black diamonds are certain geological formations in the Central African Republic as well as Brazil. It is suggested that these black diamonds could have come down to Earth inside of meteorites that fell billions of years ago. This is interesting to think about and helps us learn more about our planet.
What We Can Learn from This
Well, we always need to find new ways to learn about space and learn about how our planet has changed throughout the years. These black diamonds, and their location, could help us learn more about the formation of the continents. We just need to look at where they are distributed and get a sense of where these meteorites might have fallen. It might not shed a lot of light but we need to research this further. Once again, it goes to show you that diamonds are much more then gems that are nice to look at. That black diamond you own might be a little piece of space.
