Scientists discover a mineral harder than diamond

Scientists have discovered a mineral stronger than a diamond called lonsdaleite. It was recently found in a meteorite that fell in a region of Africa.

Although the lonsdaleite mineral has been known to the scientific community for some years , and has even been produced in a laboratory , this new finding would confirm that it is the hardest mineral on the planet.

Scientists believe that this mineral may exist on Earth, but they do not know how much of it is on our planet.

For a long time, mankind has believed that diamonds were the hardest minerals in the world, but this new discovery calls this belief into question, as lonsdaleite is 58 percent stronger than diamonds, according to NPR .

Lonsdaleite is made of carbon, just like diamonds. But its design is hexagonal instead of the cubic atomic structure that diamonds sport. And it is this design that makes it have a much stronger structure.

That conclusion has been reached after studying a group of Lonsdaleite newly found in Africa and published earlier this month.

The meteorites left mineral deposits that confirm that they are much stronger than diamonds. These meteors are thought to come from a dwarf planet, although it is not known exactly which one.

Some wonder if these minerals come from planets made of diamonds and what other things are in outer space that will soon reach our planet.

Do not miss: The curiosities of diamonds .

What do you think?