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Homeschooling News, March-April 2014

February 14, 2014

World’s Largest and Smallest Seeds

The largest seed in the world is the seed of the Coco de mer palm tree. It can reach about 12 inches in length and weigh up to 40 pounds! The next largest seed is the coconut which is 6 inches long, and then the Avocado which measures in at about 3 inches.

Did you know?

The world’s smallest seed is an Orchid Gomesa. It grows in the tropical rainforest. The seed
weighs only 1/35,000,000th of an OUNCE!

 

Diamonds

Did you know that most diamonds are formed about 100 miles under the Earth’s surface? Due to the massive presence of carbon atoms and extreme temperature changes and adjustments in the upper mantle, carbon atoms are forced to go deeper where they melt and form new rock. As the temperature falls, and other conditions, namely pressure, remain the same, the carbon atoms in the melting crystal rock bond together to form diamonds. These diamonds are then pushed to the surface through volcanic activity, and when they cool, mines are formed.

Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral in the world. They are truly indestructible except when smashed against one another. Only diamonds can cut other diamonds.

The largest diamond-producing countries are Russia, Botswana (Africa), Congo, Australia, South Africa, and Canada.

— Bobbie Sue