igneous
Diamond in Kimberlite
Diamond in Kimberlite Matrix (Diamond: C, Kimberlite: complex Potassic Peridotite)
Hardness: 10 (diamond), 6 (matrix); Color: brownish-grey matrix with clear inclusion; Luster: Adamantine (diamond), Dull/Earthly (matrix); Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
- Hardness
- 10 (diamond), 6 (matrix)
- Color
- brownish-grey matrix with clear inclusion
- Luster
- Adamantine (diamond), Dull/Earthly (matrix)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (diamond), 6 (matrix); Color: brownish-grey matrix with clear inclusion; Luster: Adamantine (diamond), Dull/Earthly (matrix); Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
Formation & geological history
Formed in the Earth's upper mantle at extreme pressure and temperature, transported to the surface via volcanic pipes (kimberlite eruptions) originating from depths of over 150 km.
Uses & applications
Primary source of industrial and gemstone-grade diamonds; highly valued by geological collectors as a 'frozen' piece of the deep mantle.
Geological facts
Kimberlite is named after the town of Kimberley in South Africa. Diamonds are the only gemstones made of a single element (carbon) and are the hardest natural substance on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by searching for ultra-mafic rocks with heavy minerals like garnets and olivine; commonly found in cratons in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
