Did You Know What Diamonds Are Made Of?

What Are Diamonds Made Of?

The diamond is the most precious and famous gemstone. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth, in areas where there are conditions of high heat and pressure. This pressure turns the diamond into an exceptionally hard material—in fact, the hardest material in the world.

A diamond has a unique and surprising property—it is composed of just one chemical element: carbon. Carbon is a common element, found in the air we breathe and many other places, but in a diamond, carbon molecules are arranged in a unique and rare way, creating the beautiful stone.

Who Discovered The Secret?

And since we mentioned carbon—a curious English scientist named Joseph Priestley discovered, about 250 years ago, that when he placed a bowl of water above fermenting beer, the air above the beer killed mice placed there. He realized that the air released from fermentation was different from the regular air we breathe—indeed, it was carbon dioxide. He also discovered that when this air mixed with water, interesting bubbles formed that made the water tasty and enjoyable to drink.

Priestley himself did not earn anything from the discovery. However, a German named Johann Schweppe saw the "recipe" Priestley published for creating carbonated water and established a factory to produce and sell carbonated water, and eventually other fizzy drinks. The company he founded exists to this day: Schweppes.

What Is The Largest Tree In The World?

The largest tree in the world is located in the national park "Sequoia Park" in California, and it is called "General Sherman." Note: it is not the tallest tree in the world, but the largest: it stands about 84 meters tall and has a circumference of over 30 meters, creating an enormous volume. According to estimates, the weight of this tree is close to 6000 tons. The tree got its name from General William Sherman—a national hero from the Civil War in the United States.