Diamond particles discovered in candlelight

The magical glimmer of candlelight could be explained by millions of diamond particles burning up within the flame, scientists have claimed.

Researchers from the University of St Andrews discovered that about 1.5 million tiny diamond nanoparticles are created every second as a candle burns.

Evidence of diamonds was also discovered in tests on natural gas and wood flames, according to a study published in the Chemical Communications journal.

Prof Wuzong Zhou, who led the research, said that if a way of extracting the particles is discovered, it could lead to new methods of manufacturing diamonds.

The twinkling of candlelight has been compared with diamonds by philosophers and scientists including Michael Faraday.

Previous research had shown that hydrocarbon molecules at the bottom of candle flames are converted into carbon dioxide by the time they reach the top, but it was not known exactly what happens in between.

By removing particles from the centre of the flame for the first time, Dr Zhou identified samples of all four known forms of carbon, including diamond.

He said: “Unfortunately the diamond particles are burned away in the process, and converted into carbon dioxide, but this will change the way we view a candle flame forever.

“My research shows that it is possible to see diamonds in flame, but this also gives us a chance to think about whether diamonds can be formed in a different way.”


/The Telegraph/