igneous
Diamond in Kimberlite
Kimberlite host rock with C (Carbon) inclusion
Hardness: 10 (diamond), 6-7 (matrix); Color: Dark grey/blue-grey matrix with transparent inclusion; Luster: Adamantine (diamond), Dull/Earthy (matrix); Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond); Specific gravity: 3.51 (diamond).
- Hardness
- 10 (diamond), 6-7 (matrix)
- Color
- Dark grey/blue-grey matrix with transparent inclusion
- Luster
- Adamantine (diamond), Dull/Earthy (matrix)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (diamond), 6-7 (matrix); Color: Dark grey/blue-grey matrix with transparent inclusion; Luster: Adamantine (diamond), Dull/Earthy (matrix); Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond); Specific gravity: 3.51 (diamond).
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle at high pressure and temperature, transported to the surface via explosive volcanic eruptions known as kimberlite pipes. Most are between 1 to 3 billion years old.
Uses & applications
Primary source of industrial and gem-quality diamonds; used in jewelry, high-end cutting tools, and scientific research.
Geological facts
Kimberlite is named after Kimberley, South Africa, where the first significant diamond discoveries in this rock type occurred. Only about 1 in 100 kimberlite pipes contains economic quantities of diamonds.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for dark, heavy, porphyritic ultramafic rocks in crater or pipe structures. Often associated with indicator minerals like pyrope garnet and chrome diopside.
