Coal in your stocking?

As the old tradition goes, Santa brings presents to good boys and girls, but people who’ve been naughty get a lump of coal. However, some newly engaged girls have been delighted to get a lump of coal this year—when that coal has come in the form of a diamond ring!

According to another popular story, diamonds come from coal. The earth exerts extreme pressure on the coal, and extreme heat, over millions of years. As a result, the coal is transformed into crystal form: diamonds!

At least that’s the lesson a lot of us learn in science class. But according to new research, that old story is just a myth. If you want an explanation of how diamonds do form, you can check out this article from the Smithsonian Institute.

So, maybe a lump of coal isn’t such a good idea for Christmas after all—although I’m excited for anyone who got a diamond. Congratulations!

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography