Tequila can be turned into diamonds
Scientists in Mexico have worked out how to produce diamonds using tequila, but most would still rather drink it.
The physicists found that synthetic diamonds could be made by heating the tequila to 800 degrees celsius when the gas molecules are broken into tiny particles.
This result, say the boffins from the National Autonomous University, is the creation of a very thin diamond film.
But while it is thought the diamonds could have many industrial uses they are too small to be used in jewellery ... though that could be because the academics didn't want to waste too much of the popular drink.
The synthetic diamond crystals - which can only be seen under a powerful microscope - can be used in medical procedures, or as a replacement for expensive silicon in computer chips.
The scientists say that even the cheap bottles of tequila which sell for £1.50 can be used to make the diamonds, though you should not try to do it after a few shots.
Hundreds of millions of litres of tequila are produced every year in Mexico and sales to the US alone are worth about £250 million to the national economy.
Link:
National Autonomous University
Scientists in Mexico have worked out how to produce diamonds using tequila, but most would still rather drink it.The physicists found that synthetic diamonds could be made by heating the tequila to 800 degrees celsius when the gas molecules are broken into tiny particles.
This result, say the boffins from the National Autonomous University, is the creation of a very thin diamond film.
But while it is thought the diamonds could have many industrial uses they are too small to be used in jewellery ... though that could be because the academics didn't want to waste too much of the popular drink.
The synthetic diamond crystals - which can only be seen under a powerful microscope - can be used in medical procedures, or as a replacement for expensive silicon in computer chips.
The scientists say that even the cheap bottles of tequila which sell for £1.50 can be used to make the diamonds, though you should not try to do it after a few shots.
Hundreds of millions of litres of tequila are produced every year in Mexico and sales to the US alone are worth about £250 million to the national economy.
Link:
National Autonomous University
