Synthetic diamonds are typically created by subjecting graphite to immense pressure and high temperatures, which makes production in the industry low and costly. Things may be about to change due to new research performed at North Carolina State University. Researchers have found a new phase for carbon called “Q-carbon” which is produced at ambient temperatures and pressure. The structure is surprisingly close to diamond, with the added the added benefit of exhibiting a couple of unique properties, namely, Q-Carbon is actually harder than diamond.