Mysteries of White Dwarf Formation: Massive Diamonds Inside?

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    Formation White dwarf
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formation of diamonds within white dwarfs, exploring the conditions under which this phenomenon occurs and the timeframes involved. Participants also touch upon the potential existence of diamonds in other geological contexts, such as the Earth's mantle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that massive diamonds can form in the cores of white dwarfs due to high pressure and the presence of carbon resulting from fusion processes.
  • One participant estimates that for a sun-like star, the formation of diamonds could take about 1.5 to 2 billion years after the star's formation, though this may vary based on mass and surroundings.
  • Another participant suggests that giant diamonds could also exist in the Earth's mantle or outer core, where sufficient pressure exists for diamond formation, questioning the need to look to white dwarfs for such phenomena.
  • It is noted that carbon is a necessary component for diamond formation, which leads to further discussion about its availability in different contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the locations and conditions for diamond formation, with some focusing on white dwarfs and others on terrestrial sources. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of diamond formation timelines and locations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the conditions necessary for diamond formation, such as pressure and the presence of carbon, but these are not fully explored or defined. The timeframes mentioned are based on estimates that may vary significantly based on different stellar characteristics.

Kitten Kaboodle
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I read in the book of world records that there are massive diamonds inside of some white dwarves. If this is compleatly true then how long after it's formation could a white dwarf start producing this massive diamond in it's core?
 
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Kitten Kaboodle said:
I read in the book of world records that there are massive diamonds inside of some white dwarves. If this is compleatly true then how long after it's formation could a white dwarf start producing this massive diamond in it's core?

What u have read might be amazing to u but it is absolutely true, core after repeated fusions is converted to carbon and that carbon under such a high pressure can only be in form of diamond.
Time may differ in different stars due to varied mass and surroundings.
But for a sun like star it will take about 1.5 to 2.
 
way cool, thank you very much!
 
I don't think you have to go THAT far to find giant diamonds. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we could find giant diamonds under our feet... as in the Earth's mantel or outer core. There is enough pressure for diamonds to form there.
 
But the second thing we need is carbon.
 

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