Kimberlite, also called blue ground, a dark-coloured, heavy, often altered and brecciated (fragmented), intrusive igneous rock that contains diamonds in its rock matrix.
What kind of rocks are diamonds found in?
The diamond is the hardest natural substance known. It is found in a type of igneous rock known as kimberlite. The diamond itself is essentially a chain of carbon atoms that have crystallized. The stone’s unique hardness is a result of the densely concentrated nature of the carbon chains.
Are diamonds found in granite?
The diamond is the Earth’s hardest mineral. A diamond is so hard that it’s possible to cut a diamond with another diamond. Rocks divide into three different groups according to how they are formed. … Igneous rocks include basalt, granite, obsidian, and pumice.
Where Can diamonds be found naturally?
Natural diamond has been discovered in 35 countries. Some diamonds have been found in the United States. Colorado, for instance, has produced a small number of diamonds. The following countries produce industrial grade diamonds: Australia, Botswana, Brazil, China, Congo, Russia and South Africa.
Are kimberlites valuable?
Kimberlite is an igneous rock that major source of diamonds. Kimberlite is a variety of peridotite. Parts of the mantle rocks are often brought to the surface in kimberlites, making them a valuable source of information about the inner world. …
Where can I find diamonds in a rock?
For over a century, mineral prospectors have known that a rock known as kimberlite often contains diamonds. Find kimberlite, and you’ve got a much better chance at finding diamonds. Now, a geologist has an even easier way to find diamonds—just look for a palm-like plant called Pandanus candelabrum .
Can you find diamonds in quartz?
Diamonds have a specific gravity of 3.1–3.5. Quartz has a specific gravity of 2.6–2.7. In placer deposits, tumbled quartz pebbles and diamonds can appear similar. The difference in specific gravity, however, allows panning or sluice methods to separate the two minerals.
Do diamonds grow in rocks?
Most diamonds reach the surface brought up within an odd type of molten rock called Kimberlite. This magma forms at great depth in cratonic keels and is rich in volatile elements such as CO2 which makes it highly pressured.
How can you tell a raw diamond?
Rough diamonds usually resemble lumps of pale colored glass. They often have an oily appearance and don’t sparkle. Very few rough diamonds are actually gem quality. Only those with the very palest colors, or are colorless will pass the test.
Is Obsidian a real thing?
obsidian, igneous rock occurring as a natural glass formed by the rapid cooling of viscous lava from volcanoes. … Obsidian is extremely rich in silica (about 65 to 80 percent), is low in water, and has a chemical composition similar to rhyolite.
What happens if you find diamonds on your property?
If you ever find a diamond ring, or any lost property, don’t assume that you can keep it. Always attempt to find the owner if possible, or turn the item in to the police. Most states will allow finders to keep the property if the owner does not show up to claim it after a certain time.
Where is the best place to dig for diamonds?
One of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, Crater of Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people from all over the world to Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
Which country has the best diamonds?
Top five diamond mining countries in the world
- Russia. Home to arguably the richest and largest diamond resources in the world, Russia tops the list with more than 12 open-pit mines. …
- Botswana. Africa’s top diamond producer, Botswana sits second in this global list. …
- Democratic Republic of Congo. …
- Australia. …
- Canada.
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What type of rock is kimberlite found in?
Kimberlite, also called blue ground, a dark-coloured, heavy, often altered and brecciated (fragmented), intrusive igneous rock that contains diamonds in its rock matrix. It has a porphyritic texture, with large, often rounded crystals (phenocrysts) surrounded by a fine-grained matrix (groundmass).
Can you find diamonds in lava rock?
There, a type of material called kimberlite magma forces its way up from deeper in Earth’s mantle, cracking the solid rock. As it rises, the magma collects fragments of rocks, like floodwaters picking up silt and gravel. Some of these fragments contain diamonds.
How do you tell if a rock is a diamond?
Test Hardness:
The only hardness test that will identify a diamond is scratching corundum. Corundum, which includes all rubys and sapphires, is 9 on the hardiness scale. If your suspected diamond crystal can scratch corundum, then there is a good chance that you found a diamond.