A group of scientists in China has successfully synthesized a hexagonal diamond, a variant of the mineral that could revolutionize the industry. This new laboratory-produced material reaches a hardness of approximately 114 gigapascals, slightly surpassing natural diamonds, which hover around 110 gigapascals. The hexagonal diamond, also known as lonsdaleite, forms under extreme conditions, such as those generated by meteorite impacts. Its atomic structure, different from that of conventional diamonds, grants it superior physical properties.
The researchers managed to obtain a pure sample by subjecting ordered graphite to pressures of up to 20 gigapascals and temperatures close to 1,900 °C. Vickers hardness testing confirmed that this new diamond is more resistant than many natural diamonds. The potential applications are vast, ranging from cutting tools to advanced electronic devices. Additionally, its remarkable wear resistance could enhance efficiency in industrial processes. Although the obtained fragment currently measures just one millimeter, this breakthrough marks a milestone in materials science and paves the way for future technological innovations.
