Kimberlite

Kimberlite is a volcanic rock composed of mica peridotite. Kimberlites are found as dikes and volcanic pipes which underlie and are the source for rare and relatively small explosive volcanoes.

Related Topics:
Mica - Peridotite - Dikes - Volcanic pipe

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The deposits occurring at Kimberley, South Africa were the first recognized and the source of the name. The Kimberly diamonds were originally found in weathered kimberlite which was colored yellow by limonite, and so was called yellow ground. Deeper workings encountered less altered rock, serpentinized kimberlite, which miners call blue ground.

Related Topics:
Kimberley - South Africa - Diamond - Weathered - Limonite - Serpentinized

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Kimberlites are the result of explosive diatreme volcanism from very deep mantle derived sources. These volcanic explosions produce kimberlite pipes, vertical columns of rock that rise from deep magma reservoirs. Kimberlites often contain chromium-bearing spinel, olivine, garnet, and other minerals which are known as indicator minerals for the presence of diamond.

Related Topics:
Diatreme - Volcanism - Mantle - Chromium - Spinel - Olivine - Garnet - Diamond

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