Recent studies suggest that Mercury’s core-mantle boundary (CMB) may harbor a vast layer of diamonds up to 18 kilometers thick.
This groundbreaking discovery, achieved through a combination of computer modelling and high-pressure experiments, provides new insights into the planet’s internal composition and geological history.
The presence of carbon on Mercury: From graphite to diamond
Mercury’s On the surface, A lot of carbonIt exists mainly in the form of graphite. The dark color of Mercury’s surface is due to NASA It is believed that the landing of the MESSENGER spacecraft was due to this graphite.
But new research shows that under the extreme pressures and temperatures present deep inside Mercury, Carbon can be transformed into diamondsDr. Lin Yanhao of the Center for Advanced Research in High Pressure Science and Technology in Beijing highlighted the implications: “Many years ago we realised that the extremely high carbon content of Mercury might have important implications. This made us realise that something special might be happening inside Mercury.”
The researchers’ experiment aimed to recreate the harsh environment within Mercury’s core-mantle boundary, where pressures reach up to 7 gigapascals (GPa), roughly seven times the pressure in the deepest parts of Earth’s oceans. This environment revealed that carbon exposed to such high pressures and temperatures crystallizes as diamonds rather than graphite. This change suggests that there may be a large amount of diamonds present in Mercury’s interior.
Recreating Mercury’s internal environment: Experimental insights
To find out how diamonds are formed MercuryThe researchers conducted high-pressure, high-temperature experiments using synthetic silicates. Composition of Mercury’s mantleThese samples were subjected to pressures and temperatures that mirrored those of the CMB. The experiments showed that under these extreme conditions: carbon It can be transformed into a diamond.
Dr. Lin elaborated on the experimental process: “What we do in the lab is to mimic the extreme pressure and temperature inside the planet, which is sometimes a difficult task. We need to modify our equipment to suit our needs. To simulate these conditions, the experimental equipment needs to be very precise.” In addition, the sulfur present in Mercury’s iron core acts as a dissolving agent, affecting the crystallization process and promoting the formation of diamonds. This sulfur-induced phase separation plays an important role in the unique geological phenomenon observed on Mercury.
Mercury’s magnetic field and its influence on planetary differentiation
One of the most interesting aspects of this potential diamond formation is that it Mercury’s magnetic fieldDiamond’s high thermal conductivity facilitates efficient heat transfer from the core to the mantle, which could affect the planet’s heating and convection dynamics.
This could have an impact on future generations. Mercury’s An unexpectedly strong magnetic field. Dr. Lin explained, “When carbon in the molten core cools, it becomes supersaturated, forming diamonds that float up into the CMB. The high thermal conductivity of diamonds helps to effectively transfer heat from the core to the mantle, causing changes in temperature stratification and convection in Mercury’s liquid outer core, which in turn influences the generation of the magnetic field.”
The study also offers broader implications for improving understanding. Planetary Differentiation— the process by which planets form distinct internal layers, such as a core, mantle, and crust. The researchers believe a similar process may be responsible for Diamond formations on Mercury “Similar events could have occurred on other planets of similar size and composition, leaving behind similar geological signatures. This finding could transform our understanding of planetary evolution throughout the Solar System.”
Future research directions and wider implications
This study paves the way for further research. Mercury and other carbon-rich planetary bodies. Insights gained from these experiments and models improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of planets, especially those with high carbon content. Inside Mercury This adds a fascinating dimension to our knowledge of Earth, highlighting the complex interplay of pressure, temperature and chemical composition that shapes the planet’s geology.
Dr Lin emphasised the broader significance of the discovery: “This may also be relevant to our understanding of other terrestrial planets, especially those with similar size and composition. The processes that led to the formation of diamond layers on Mercury may also have occurred on other planets, leaving similar signatures.”
Discovering the potential of diamond layers Mercury’s core mantle This boundary highlights the importance of high-pressure experiments and computer modeling in planetary science: as researchers continue to explore these extreme conditions, it is expected that further secrets about the formation and evolution of planets within and beyond our solar system will be revealed.
