Jose Cuervo Tequila isn't just gold - it is also Diamond.
At least that is what researchers in Mexico are proving. Javier Morales, Luis Apátiga and Victor Castaño at the National Autonomous University of Mexico have been conducting experiments that would do any alchemist proud - they are turning organic solutions such as acetone and ethanol into diamonds. During their research, the scientists found that 80 proof tequila is about the perfect balance of ethanol to water in order to create the diamond film.
Of course, to create the diamonds the tequila is evaporated into a vapor, and then the vapor is heated to around 1400 degrees Fahrenheit and deposited into silicon or stainless steel trays. The result? 100 to 400 nm diameter diamonds that are free from impurities.
The pure diamond is very hard and very heat resistant, making it great for several commercial applications. The uses include cutting tools, optical electronic devices, and more. Going one step beyond that, the researchers are hoping to be able to introduce some impurities and create a diamond semiconductor of sorts. If things go according to plan the hopes are to create an industrial venture by 2011. This could no doubt turn one of Mexico's national treasures into a whole new kind of national treasure.
Unfortunately there is no word as to how the worm makes it through the process...
History of Tequila
Tequila was first produced in the 16th century near the location of the city of Tequila, which was not officially established until 1656. The Aztec people had previously made a fermented beverage from the agave plant, which they called octli (later, and more popularly called pulque), long before the Spanish arrived in 1521. When the Spanish conquistadors ran out of their own brandy, they began to distill this agave drink to produce North America's first indigenous distilled spirit.
source:wikipedia
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