kimberlitet

Kimberlite is a type of volcanic rock that is exceptionally rich in magnesium and aluminum. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle, at depths of 150 to 300 kilometers, and is brought to the surface rapidly through explosive volcanic eruptions. This rapid ascent is crucial because it preserves the minerals that would otherwise break down under lower pressures. The characteristic mineralogy of kimberlite includes olivine, serpentine, monticellite, perovskite, and magnetite. It often contains xenocrysts, which are crystals foreign to the kimberlite itself, derived from the mantle rocks through which the magma passed.

Kimberlites are of immense economic importance as they are the primary source of gem-quality diamonds. The diamonds formed under the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions of the mantle are transported to the surface within the kimberlite magma. Not all kimberlite pipes contain diamonds, and the concentration of diamonds can vary significantly. Geologists identify kimberlite bodies by their distinctive geological features, often forming carrot-shaped or cylindrical intrusions into the surrounding crust. The weathering of kimberlite also produces characteristic soils and indicator minerals that help in exploration.