Whoever said that diamonds are forever?

Scientists have discovered that Earth's hardest natural material evaporates under exposure to light.

According to the Daily Mail, a rock was placed under intense light pulses in the UV-C band - the harsh ultraviolet rays filtered out by the ozone layer - and small pits in the diamond surface were visible after only a few seconds.

Lead researcher Richard Mildren, from Macquarie University Photonics Research Centre, said: “Although this type of light-induced evaporation has been observed in some materials, this is the first time it's been shown to occur for diamond.”

The rate of mass loss in the diamond fell notably for lower light levels but the etching process still continued - albeit at a slower and slower pace, Professor Mildren said.

But before diamond lovers around the world start to panic, he is quick to note that the rate of evaporation is very small and not noticeable under normal conditions.

In fact, even under very bright UV conditions, such as intense sunlight or under a UV tanning lamp, it would take approximately the age of the universe - about 10billion years - to see an observable distance, he said.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.