Fresh claim of making elusive ‘hexagonal’ diamond is the strongest yet

image via New Scientist

March 14, 2026, 12:00 PM

• •Hexagonal diamond is a predicted form of carbon that could be harder than the known hardest substance, cubic diamond.
• •Researchers in China have successfully synthesized hexagonal diamond in the lab, providing strong evidence for its existence.
• •The material was produced by subjecting highly oriented pyrolytic graphite to extreme pressure and temperature.
• •The discovery has potential applications in cutting tools, thermal management, and quantum sensing.

Researchers in China have presented what they believe is the clearest evidence yet for the synthesis of hexagonal diamond, a rare form of carbon predicted to be even harder than conventional cubic diamond. This breakthrough, achieved by compressing graphite under high pressure and temperature, has been validated by peer review and advanced characterization methods. The material's potential applications span cutting tools, thermal management, and quantum sensing, sparking renewed interest in its existence and natural occurrence. This development also highlights the importance of rigorous scientific validation and may lead to further research and exploration of this unique material.

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