A review of the use and application of mantle mineral geochemistry in diamond exploration

Abstract

The formation of diamonds and their carrier modes are discussed. Different models with respect to kimberlite and lamproite carriers are considered and the minerals present in these rocks are discussed. Their Formation takes place in peridotite and ecologite in the mantle lithosphere associated with thick cool roots of archaen continent nuclei. The presence of the root may be detected by geochemical studies of the macrocyst mantle minerals in diamondiferous kimberlite and to a lesser extent lamproites. The interpretation of indicator mineral compositions is being upgraded continually by the use of modern analytical techniques and data bases with a view to diamond prospecting. Today this is an extremely successful aid to the discovery of diamonds. © 1993 IUPAC.