Diamonds, they are the epitome of success in our modern society. Whether you’re cementing the love and adulation you have for your significant other, or celebrating that new record contract, we all want diamonds. But when that record contract doesn’t get renewed, and your vows don’t either, will your diamonds still be there? Lets find out!

Diamonds, in their natural state, are a pure-carbon crystalline structure. There is another pure-carbon crystalline structure that I’m sure many of you are familiar with, graphite. Yes, the same graphite we use everyday in pencils across the globe. The only difference between the two substances are the way their atoms are bonded in the crystalline lattice. Diamonds are comprised of five carbon atoms closely bonded in a three-dimensional grid. Graphite, on the other hand, is comprised of four tightly bonded carbon atoms, loosely piled atop each other in planes.

As one might have assumed by now, the degradation of diamonds involves the structure reconfiguring itself into the atomic structure for graphite. However, this is only possible under certain special conditions. In order for diamonds to degrade to graphite, they must first jump the kinetic energy barrier barring them from changing states. This can be achieved by adding heat or pressure. If the diamond is to be heated it must be placed in a low-pressure vacuum environment. If not, the diamond will just sublimate directly to vapor. Once in this environment, the diamond cannot be subject to temperatures more than 4000K. Below this, the diamond will begin to turn to graphite. As graphite is the more relaxed energy state, diamonds will naturally be inclined to degrade into graphite. This process would take millions, if not billions of years, if not assisted by heat.

In conclusion, those fancy, fabulous jewels adorned on our elite are here to stay. As for the elite, who knows. But what science has told us, is that diamonds are naturally degrading to graphite, this process is just too lengthy to notice in any of our lifetimes. It is worth noting during this time, that despite all the information and evidence I’ve presented, I did encounter several very vocal supporters to the contrary, and for a time they had me convinced.

“Bonding and Properties of Materials.” BBC, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 15.

Barton, Mark, Dr., Jerry Coffin, and Keith Allpress. “Is It Possible to Melt down Diamonds?” Quora, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.

Baird, Christopher S., Dr. “Why Do Diamonds Last Forever?” Science Questions with Surprising Answers. N.p., 17 Dec. 13. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.