Answer to Dictation 1
They have unearthed a gargantuan amount of these precious stones.
Go to Dictation 2
Answer to Dictation 2
Our nearest planetary neighbour could quite literally be a celestial jewel.
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Answer to Dictation 3
The planet evolved from a gyrating cloud of cosmic dust and gas.
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Answer to Dictation 4
The dust was compressed into graphite which is chemically identical to diamond.
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Answer to Dictation 5
It is unlikely Mercury's diamonds could ever be mined.
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Answer to Dictation 6
Researchers used a machine called an anvil press to simulate the conditions.
Go to Dictation 7
Answer to Dictation 7
The press is used to make synthetic diamonds.
Go to Dictation 8
Answer to Dictation 8
The capsule was subjected to pressure 70,000 times greater than that on Earth.
Go to Dictation 9
Answer to Dictation 9
There are a quadrillion tons of diamonds beneath the Earth's surface.
Go to Dictation 10
Answer to Dictation 10
Experts say value of these hidden gems is pretty much incalculable.
See the Mercury diamonds lesson for the whole text.
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