Diamonds are formed when coal is compressed under extreme pressure over time.
While both diamond and coal are carbon-based, they have different formation processes. Most diamonds form from carbon deep in Earth's mantle, brought up by kimberlite pipes, not from coal. Coal is fossilized plant material. While lab-created diamonds can theoretically use any carbon source, natural diamonds don't come from coal.
Reception
Sources
- Diamond Formation - USGS PRIMARY
- Snopes: Diamond Coal REFERENCE