Molecules out and about

Guinness World Record attempt

Independent witnesses Dr Sandie Dann (University of Loughborough) and Chris Pettitt (Dove Accounts) came to measure, count and weigh the diamond model: They verified the dimensions, measured each edge as 1,848 mm and the apex length (from top to bottom) as 2,660 mm and calculated its weignt as 254 kg. They confirmed the model contained 35,990 balls (representing carbon atoms) and was the correct structural representation of diamond.

These statistics are being sent to the Guiness World Records to claim the record for the "largest diamond molecule structure model" - watch this space!

Unveiling the Uttoxeter Jubilee Diamond

The Jubilee Diamond was unveiled (in the rain) at 11am on Saturday the 2^nd of June by Sarah Elsom, High Sheriff of Staffordshire.

The Rev. Ted Whittaker read the Jubilee Prayer, we sang the national anthem and we all did three cheers for the Queen and three cheers for the children and adults who made the model.

The construction process:

A huge thanks to all who helped to build the diamond:

Thomas Alleynes High School
Redfern's Cottage - Museum of Uttoxeter Life
Ryecroft Middle School
Uttoxeter First Brownies
Windsor Parks Middle School
Uttoxeter Lions
Uttoxeter Methodist Church
St Josephs Primary School
Uttoxeter First Cubs
Uttoxeter U3A
St. Marys First School
Tynsel Parks First School
Uttoxeter Youth Group
Picknalls First School
Oldfields Middle School

 The plan:

The largest model of diamond in the world will be built in Uttoxeter in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  Containing 35990 transparent balls each representing an atom of carbon the model will be submitted to receive a Guinness World Record.  

The model is being constructed by pupils in participating schools and other organisations.  In addition in the final two weeks the good people of Uttoxeter will be invited to build at a stall in the town centre.  Everybody who contributes to the model will be invited to sign their name and at the end of the project the pages will be made into a book the original copy of which will be sent to the Queen. 

Thanks to our sponsors: The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Keele University, Redfern’s Cottage Museum of Uttoxeter Life and Thomas Alleynes High School.