How to Make a Synthetic Diamond

Step 8 Start the Microwave

Set the microwave for its maximum cook time at the maximum power setting. In my case, that was 99 minutes and 99 seconds - which turned out to be long enough.

Be advised: the microwave will spark a bit where the oil has soaked into the graphite. This is normal as the oil is bonding with the binder in the pencil lead. It should stop sparking after a few minutes.

After the microwave is done, let the mugs cool completely before removing them. Remember, if done correctly, you've generated 1,200+ degrees inside the crucible. Be safe.

Comments

[lesley090]

so exactly how long do you need to have it the microwave

[mrcrumley]

Well... I recommended that the microwave run as long as it can. In my case, I set it to 99 minutes, 99 seconds.

But, you really need to read the entire instructable first, including the comments. The comments reveal some interesting and important details about this process.

[mcuz]

Hey, can you please make a video of this and put it on youtube?

[mrcrumley]

I'm sorry, No. I'm now so rich from making all these diamonds that I can't tear myself away from all my yachting to make a video. Good luck though.

[lesley090]

ok but does experiment actually work and how would the crytals come out to be

[mrcrumley]

Depending on how you define "work", yes. Depending on how you define "crystals", not very very well.

[popewill]

very
very
very
interesting,
my
friend

[ErpDerpAHerp]

T
U
R
T
L
E
S

[gothicbob]

99 mins 99 seconds of microwaving... your electricity bill is going to be expensive if this becomes a hobby.

[Asmodeous]

Not as expensive as a real diamond:)

[axist47]

You put it in for the whole time?

[mrcrumley]

Well, there's no "graphite/ diamond" setting, so I had to wing it.

[AJBrawlLvr]

wait- so you ACTUALLY did the steps, just made up the part about the diamond?

[mrcrumley]

Yes. I had to set up for all the photos. Although, I will admit to shutting off the microwave after about 3 seconds. The sparking scared me.

[markvid]

the missing 480W is wasted because you can never have a 100% efficiency. ;-)

[cd41]

How sad, if only we did, then the electricity company would get my money

[rrmarlowe]

any reason this couldn't be done in an oven? and any recommendations on temp/time if i were to use an oven instead of a microwave?

[xirekaj]

I don't think your over can create the over 1000 degree environment needed.

[mrcrumley]

I addressed a bunch of these sorts of questions in my follow-up post, "How to Prank the Instructables Community."

[sonaps]

Amperage and wattage are inversly proportional through converters, so it likely is due to the level of amperage needed to create the wave. Also, nothing's completely efficient.