Story perspectives

Chinese Scientists Create Rare Hexagonal Diamond, Advancing Technology

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chinese scientists synthesized a rare hexagonal diamond about 0.04 inches across in a Nature study.
They achieved synthesis by compressing graphite at high temperatures and pressures.
The hexagonal structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and atomic-scale microscopy.
The diamond's hardness measured about 114 gigapascals, only slightly higher than natural diamonds.
The findings may resolve the long-standing debate over hexagonal diamonds and could enable advanced technological applications.

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Story summary

Chinese scientists synthesized a rare hexagonal diamond about 0.04 inches across in a Nature study.
They achieved synthesis by compressing graphite at high temperatures and pressures.
The hexagonal structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and atomic-scale microscopy.
The diamond's hardness measured about 114 gigapascals, only slightly higher than natural diamonds.
The findings may resolve the long-standing debate over hexagonal diamonds and could enable advanced technological applications.