Kimberliittikivi

Kimberliittikivi is a type of volcanic rock that is known for its potential to host diamonds. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature conditions. Kimberliite erupts to the surface in a violent process, creating characteristic carrot-shaped geological structures called kimberlite pipes or diatremes. These pipes are the primary source of mined diamonds.

The composition of kimberliittikivi is diverse, often containing minerals such as olivine, phlogopite, serpentine, and perovskite. It can also include xenoliths, which are fragments of other rocks brought up from the mantle during the eruption. The color of kimberliittikivi can vary from dark gray to reddish-brown, depending on its mineral content and degree of alteration.

While kimberliittikivi is most famous for diamond occurrences, not all kimberliite pipes contain economically viable diamond deposits. The geological processes involved in diamond formation and their transport to the surface are complex and not fully understood. Prospecting for kimberliite pipes is a significant undertaking in the mining industry, often involving geological surveys, geophysical methods, and indicator mineral analysis. When diamonds are found within kimberliittikivi, they are extracted through mining operations.