Crystal puts pressure on diamonds

Diamonds have charmed high-pressure scientists. Now, a new suitor is pressing for affection.

A moissanite crystal can squeeze more material than a diamond anvil can. Each pointed crystal (arrow) in this anvil is as big as an 8-carat diamond. Agnes Mao

A synthetic crystal called moissanite has squeezed in on diamond’s role as the jaws of a powerful experimental device known as a diamond anvil cell.