Do natural diamonds form from carbon-vapour or liquid-carbon

In summary, natural diamonds are formed deep in the Earth's mantle through intense heat and pressure bonding carbon atoms together over millions of years. While carbon-vapour does play a role, it is not the sole source of carbon for diamond formation. Liquid carbon found in the mantle also contributes to the formation of diamonds. Man-made diamonds, on the other hand, are created in a laboratory using different techniques that mimic the natural conditions at a much faster rate.
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What is the state of carbon just prior to it forming a diamond, deep in the Earth's crust ?
Carbon vapour , or liquid carbon ?.Update: I think I've managed to answer my own question ...

http://www-als.lbl.gov/images/stories/Science_Highlights/Highlights/108carbon1.png
http://www-als.lbl.gov/index.php/holding/276-time-resolved-study-of-bonding-in-liquid-carbon.html But cannot manage to delete this thread :blushing:
 
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Leave it, a reasonable C phase diagram is handy to have on the forum.
 

1. How do natural diamonds form?

Natural diamonds are formed deep in the Earth's mantle, where intense heat and pressure cause carbon atoms to bond together and form the crystal structure of a diamond. This process can take millions of years.

2. Is it true that diamonds are formed from carbon-vapour?

No, it is a common misconception that diamonds are formed from carbon-vapour. While carbon-vapour does play a role in the formation of diamonds, it is not the sole source of carbon for diamond formation.

3. What is liquid carbon and how does it relate to diamond formation?

Liquid carbon refers to the molten carbon found in the Earth's mantle. This molten carbon is under extreme pressure and temperature, which allows it to bond and form the crystal structure of a diamond.

4. Can diamonds form from both carbon-vapour and liquid carbon?

Yes, diamonds can form from both carbon-vapour and liquid carbon. Both sources of carbon contribute to the formation of diamonds in the Earth's mantle.

5. Are man-made diamonds formed using the same process as natural diamonds?

No, man-made diamonds are created in a laboratory using different processes such as chemical vapor deposition or high pressure high temperature techniques. These methods mimic the natural conditions under which diamonds are formed, but at a much faster rate.

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