Neptune - Diamond Hurricanes, Blue Storms, No Granite
Origin & Age
Earth is ~4.6 billion years old; Neptune formed around the same time as the eighth and farthest major planet from the Sun. It is ~3.9× Earth’s diameter and ~17× Earth’s mass.
Neptune Specs
| Item | Value | Versus Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Age | ~4.6 billion years | Same |
| Diameter | 49,244 km | ~3.9× Earth |
| Mass | ~17 Earth masses | — |
| Gravity (cloud tops) | ~1.14 g | Slightly higher |
| Mean temp. | ~−200°C | Much colder |
| Atmosphere | ~80% H2, ~19% He, ~1% CH4 | Not breathable |
| Can humans move bare-skinned? | No (frigid, toxic atmosphere) | Impossible |
| With spacesuit? | No (no solid surface; pressure rises with depth) | Impossible |
Structure & Composition
Neptune is an ice giant. From top to depth: a hydrogen–helium atmosphere made deep blue by methane; a vast mantle of high-pressure “ices” (water, ammonia, methane); and a small rocky/icy core buried within. There is no solid ground to land on.
Climate — the Violent Twin
Neptune hosts some of the Solar System’s strongest weather. Winds reach ~600 m/s (over 2,000 km/h), with recurring dark storms and powerful jet streams. Despite its great distance from the Sun, Neptune emits strong internal heat that drives its blue storms. Compared with the gentler Uranus, Neptune is the stormy, violent twin.
Diamond Hurricanes (Hypothesized)
Deep inside Neptune, extreme pressure and temperature may dissociate methane so that carbon crystallizes into diamonds. Those crystals could be swept into diamond hurricanes—vortices of falling diamond particles spiraling toward deeper layers. Laboratory experiments support the underlying physics, making this a compelling, though unconfirmed, phenomenon on Neptune (and Uranus).
No Granite on Neptune
Granite requires water-aided re-melting and long-term tectonic recycling on rocky planets. Neptune lacks a crustal surface and plate tectonics; any rocky material is confined to the deep interior. As a result, no granite continents can form.
Contrast with Earth & Uranus
- Uranus: sideways tilt, weak internal heat, comparatively gentle climate.
- Neptune: upright tilt, strong internal heat, violent storms and possible diamond hurricanes.
- Earth: liquid water and plate tectonics build granite continents—the stage for culture and civilization.
Summary
- Origin: ~4.6 Ga; farthest major planet
- Composition: H/He atmosphere, high-pressure ices, deep rocky/icy core
- Weather: extreme winds and recurring storms
- Diamond hurricanes: hypothesized under deep pressure
- Granite: cannot form; no solid surface or plates
Neptune has no granite and cannot produce the granite products sold by japanstones.shop.