We’ve all heard about the worm (not actually a worm). What many haven’t heard about are the diamonds.
More precisely, a diamond film. That’s what was created at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2008 when a trio of scientists noticed that the ethanol-to-water ratio present in 80 proof tequila was the perfect combination from which to make diamond… and the atomic ratios were sufficient for diamond growth.
Most 80-proof liquors would work about as well, but this was a Mexican university. They were going to use their nation’s signature drink.
They vaporized the tequila, heated it to 1470 degrees Fahrenheit, then deposited the superheated vapor onto silicon and stainless steel trays, to test the results.
The films they received had crystals ranging from 100 to 400 nanometers in thickness – too thin for even the cheapest of jewelry purchasers – but were perfect diamonds, free of impurities. (Popular Science)
In case anyone is wondering what happens when you give scientists free access to very expensive manufacturing equipment, this is what happens: they get drunk and play with it…. but in a SCIENCE! way.
If it’s not made from blue agave, by the way, it’s not actually tequila. And official tequila only has to be 51% from agave, so there’s some seriously terrible tequila out there, virtually designed to give the drinker a hangover. And the worm (moth larva, technically) is actually in mezcal, a relative of tequila, not tequila itself… if you find one in your tequila bottle, you should strongly consider returning it and getting a brand with better quality control.
And, come on, everyone knows this piece had to end with the movie clip.
Question of the night: What’s your favorite alcoholic drink?
