Outer Space Is a Treasure Chest of Gemstones

Scientists suspect it might be raining diamonds on Neptune and Uranus. Evidence of opal on Mars hints at a watery past. Outside our solar system, there may be rubies and sapphires too. But the gems that form within Earth still might be the most dazzling.

By Emma Yasinski
Feb 4, 2021 3:45 PMFeb 4, 2021 3:46 PM
diamonds raining - shutterstock
(Credit: DRN Studio/Shutterstock)

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In 2012, scientists announced they’d found a planet, 55 Cancri e, that was made out of diamond. The idea was based on estimates of the planet’s size and density.

Soon after their work was published, however, other research suggested they’d been wrong.

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