Diamonds found at the surface of Earth provide new evidence that the interior of the planet is capable of generating temperatures far higher than previously thought. This means that the deep Earth could be a much more dynamic and volatile place than scientists have understood, with implications for its interior evolution and the way that rare materials including carbon and water are recycled between the surface and the interior of the planet.

Diamonds form deep in Earth at pressures and temperatures of at least 5 gigapascals and 800 degrees Celsius, respectively, although temperatures of 1,400 degrees Celsius are more typical. The conditions under which these diamonds grew must have been exceptional to reach these ultrahigh temperatures, indicating the presence of a superhot region in Earth's mantle that has not been identified previously.

The discovery of ultrahigh temperature diamonds provides a glimpse into the extreme conditions that exist in the Earth's interior, helping us to better understand the processes that shape our planet. This can potentially lead to the discovery of new mineral deposits and contribute to the development of new technologies. Furthermore, the study of these ultrahigh temperature diamonds can shed light on the carbon cycle and the fate of water in Earth's interior, as well as provide information on the planet's thermal history and evolution.