KIMBERLITES ON THE INTERNET

KIMBERLITES are very interesting and controversial. Yet, the most incredible thing about them is that they contain

Diamonds!!!

General Disclaimer

This is what gets everone so excited. Kimberlites are investigated primarily because they contain the world's supply of this precious mineral. However, Geologists love them for lots of other reasons - for example, Kimberlites:

• Are rare alkalic (usually potassic) ultramafic rocks.
• Are found in small volcanic pipes, dykes, and sills scattered throughout the world.

• Have a complex and unusual petrography.

• Contain minerals and xenoliths shown by experimental petrology to have formed at higher pressures and depths than the solid phases found in any other rock occuring at the earth's surface.

• Vary greatly in modal composition.

• Are paradoxical, as their compositions are similar to primitive picrites, yet are enriched in incompatible elements.

• Are thought to originate more than 120 miles below the earth's surface, moving upward at a velocity of 15 to 45 mph through solid rock - virtually an explosion from the mantle.

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  Where are kimberlites found?

  Info-mine Database This is a database of known Kimberlite locations kindly provided by the mining industry:

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  Who else is interested?

  National Science Grants

  Select the Search NSF Awards Abstracts and use the search string "Kimberlite*"

  Here are a number of grants (some rather large) have been given to persons studying kimberlite-related topics. Using the National Science Foundation gopher, a list of 20 or so abstracts written by those awarded grants can be found under Search NSF award Abstracts and using kimberlite* as the search topic.

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  Any fun stories?

  Here are a few gopher sites where more information can be found.

  California Mining Journal November 1994

  This is found through the .enews gopher. It accesses a number of interesting documents related to kimberlites. Here, the November 1994 issue of California Mining Journal contains an factual and humourous account relating kimberlites and diamonds in Appalachia, discussing historical views of the occurence and source of diamonds found throughout the eastern US. Other great articles are found nearby.

  E-News Index

  Twice select the option "Search all Electronic Newstand Articles by Keyword" and use then use the keyword "Kimberlite*"

  Here is a selection of stories and reports which involve kimberlites. Especially fun are the article called "New Alchemy" about humans trying to replicate the conditions which are found in the mantle or a kimberlite pipe, and the article called "The Great Canadian Diamond Rush".

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  If you are lucky you will be able to find a great list of kimberlite resources via Veronica

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  Bibliography

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  Queries should be directed to:

  

  Kimberlite Miners of Southern California/Care of Gary Graeper

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