Where is Diamond in Kimberlite found?
Diamond (C) in Kimberlite
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Open the appDiamond in Kimberlite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Diamond in Kimberlite
Southern Africa
Botswana (Orapa, Jwaneng), South Africa (Kimberley, Cullinan, Venetia), Namibia, Angola, Lesotho. These regions host some of the world's largest and most productive kimberlite fields.
Siberia, Russia
Yakutia region (Mir, Udachnaya, Nyurba). Significant diamond production from numerous kimberlite pipes.
Canada
Northwest Territories (Ekati, Diavik, Gahcho Kué), Nunavut (Chidliak). Relatively newer discoveries in cratonic areas.
Australia
Kimberley region (Argyle - historically a lamproite, but other kimberlites exist), Ellendale. While Argyle is a lamproite, Australia has other kimberlite occurrences.
Brazil
Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso. Historically significant alluvial diamond deposits, with primary kimberlite sources also present.
Collecting tips
- Geological Mapping. Focus on ancient cratonic areas with known kimberlite occurrences. Look for circular or oval-shaped magnetic or gravity anomalies, which can indicate buried kimberlite pipes.
- Indicator Minerals. Search for kimberlite indicator minerals (KIMs) in stream sediments or glacial tills. These dense, resistant minerals (e.g., pyrope garnet, chromite, ilmenite, olivine, clinopyroxene) are often associated with kimberlites and can be traced back to their source.
- Microdiamond Analysis. Collect bulk samples of potential kimberlite material and process them to extract microdiamonds (diamonds smaller than 0.5 mm). The presence of microdiamonds is a strong indicator of a diamondiferous kimberlite.
- Professional Expertise. Diamond exploration is a highly specialized field. Consult with experienced geologists and geophysicists who have expertise in kimberlite geology and diamond exploration techniques.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Kimberlite: Dark green to black; Diamond: Colorless, yellow, brown.
- Luster:
- Kimberlite: Dull to earthy; Diamond: Adamantine.
- Streak:
- Kimberlite: White to pale green/brown (due to alteration); Diamond: Colorless (no streak).
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