News Chemistry

The nitty-gritty of diamond polishing

Researchers reveal atomic secrets of an ancient art

By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

You can soften your sweetie with diamonds, but to soften a diamond — the hardest material on Earth — takes some special chemistry.

BRILLIANT CUT In a new study of the mechanics of diamond polishing, researchers found that a liquidlike carbon layer (green atoms) forms at the interface of the gem (grey, bottom) and the sharp polishing grit particles (grey, upper left).