Crystalline carbon's pedigree

V.P. Afanasiev

Despite success achieved in the synthesis of artificial gems including diamonds, natural precious stones are still in demand. Crystals born millions years ago deep in the earth's interior become the pride of museums and private collections; they are used as bank assets… And most importantly, like in the old times, diamonds remain the most desirable and expensive decorations for women. Today's "treasure hunters" do not rely entirely on luck: they strive to unravel the mystery of crystalline carbon's origin so as to see the lodestar that would illuminate their no easy search