A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system, has a thick diamond layer at its core-mantle boundary, up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) thick.

This finding, from scientists in China and Belgium, challenges previous assumptions that graphite was the only stable form of carbon on Mercury.

The diamond layer likely formed from the crystallization of Mercury’s carbon-rich magma ocean, contributing to our understanding of planetary differentiation and internal layering processes, Tech Spot has reported.

Dr. Yanhao Lin, a co-author of the study, noted that Mercury’s high carbon content hinted at unique internal conditions.

Written by B.C. Begley