Astronomy
Thermal Evolution of Carbon-Rich Exoplanets and Diamond Layers
Quick fact
Some carbon-rich exoplanets, like 55 Cancri e, could have mantles up to one-third diamond by volume, and the high thermal conductivity of diamond means heat escapes much faster than through Earth's rocky mantle, dramatically altering the planet's cooling history.
Why this is interesting
Imagine an entire planet where the mantle is made of diamonds—not rock. How would that change the way the planet cools and evolves?