Tougher than armour, hard as diamond: China’s unbreakable crystal breakthrough

Chinese scientists have developed a new type of diamond that is exceptionally tough and resistant to breaking, according to a paper published in Nature Synthesis. While natural diamonds are the hardest known materials, they are brittle and can shatter from impact. Researchers have long sought to enhance diamond toughness without compromising its hardness. This breakthrough addresses that challenge, creating a diamond that can withstand significant force, such as a hammer blow, without breaking. This advancement could have significant implications for industrial applications where both hardness and durability are crucial.