/ Molecular simulations Content for UC Davis en /news/molecular-simulations-show-graphite-hijacks-diamond-formation-through-unexpected <p><span>The graphite found in your favorite pencil could have instead been the diamond your mother always wears. What made the difference? Researchers are finding out.</span></p><p><span>How molten carbon crystallizes into either graphite or diamond is relevant to planetary science, materials manufacturing and nuclear fusion research. However, this moment of crystallization is difficult to study experimentally because it happens very rapidly and under extreme conditions.</span></p> July 09, 2025 - 10:31am Andy Fell /news/molecular-simulations-show-graphite-hijacks-diamond-formation-through-unexpected