3 July, 2008

The diamond age approaches

It seems to be compulsory to mention Neal Stephenson's novel, so I'll get it out of the way immediately, and merely note that the technologies he mentioned might be that little bit closer, according to this Smithsonian article about the production of cultured diamonds.

In addition to a detailed overview, the article discusses both the impact on jewel cartels of cultured diamonds indistinguishable from mined stones and, perhaps more significantly, the industrial applications of large diamonds grown in specific shapes, even sheets.

[Via BoingBoing.]