In laboratory experiments simulating Mercury's interior, scientists applied pressures of 7 GPa and temperatures near 3,600 °F, discovering that carbon at the core-mantle boundary transforms into diamond due to high pressure and sulfur content.

The study underscores the importance of carbon in shaping planetary interiors and magnetic fields, revealing the complexity of seemingly barren worlds.

NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft has revealed high carbon content on Mercury, with evidence of graphite patches suggesting a historical magma ocean rich in carbon.

Understanding Mercury's carbon dynamics may provide insights into the evolution of other terrestrial planets and the potential for similar diamond formations elsewhere.

The upcoming BepiColombo mission, scheduled to arrive at Mercury in 2030, aims to gather additional data to confirm the existence of the diamond layer and refine gravity maps of the planet.

Mercury's carbon-rich history distinguishes it from other rocky planets like Earth, Mars, and Venus, which have lost much of their carbon to space or incorporated it into carbonates.

A joint research team led by Dr. Yanhao Lin from the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research has been pivotal in recreating Mercury's interior conditions to study diamond formation.

Researchers propose that Mercury may harbor a diamond layer approximately 10 miles thick, formed under extreme conditions.

Mercury's extreme conditions, including temperatures exceeding 800 °F and its rapid rotation, have significantly influenced its unique geological history.

This diamond formation could play a significant role in Mercury's strong magnetic field by enhancing heat transfer from the metallic core to the mantle.