While no planet is entirely made of diamonds, 55 Cancri e is a planet that scientists believe is likely covered in a thick layer of crystallized carbon.
This planet is twice the size of Earth and eight times its mass. It orbits a sun-like star called 55 Cancri, located about 40 light-years away in the constellation Cancer.
The planet is incredibly hot, with a surface temperature estimated to be around 1,600 degrees Celsius (2,900 degrees Fahrenheit). This intense heat, combined with the planet's immense pressure, creates the ideal conditions for carbon to crystallize into diamonds.
While we cannot directly observe the planet's composition, scientists have extrapolated from its size, mass, and orbital characteristics to conclude that it is likely a diamond planet.
The estimated value of 55 Cancri e's diamond layer is a staggering $26.9 nonillion (a 30-digit number) – that's a 26 followed by 30 zeros!
While this discovery is fascinating, it's important to remember that 55 Cancri e is a very different planet from Earth. It's too hot and too far away for us to ever visit, let alone mine its diamond riches.
