Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic,and Mineral Inclusion Studies on the Diamonds from the Pozanti‐Karsanti Chromitite,Turkey

He Pozanti‐Karsanti ophiolite (PKO) is one of the largest oceanic remnants in the Tauride belt, Turkey. Micro‐diamonds were recovered from the podiform chromitites, and these were investigated based on morphology, color, cathodoluminescence, nitrogen content, carbon and nitrogen isotopes, internal structure and inclusions. The diamonds recovered from the PKO are mainly mixed‐habit diamonds with sectors of different brightness under the cathodoluminescence images. The total δ¹³C range of the PKO diamonds ranges between ?18.8 ‰ and ?28.4 ‰, with a principle δ¹³C mode at ?25 ‰. Nitrogen contents of the diamonds range from 7 to 541 μg/g with a mean value of 171 μg/g, and the δ¹⁵N values range from ?19.1 ‰ to 16.6 ‰, with a δ¹⁵N mode of ?9 ‰. Stacking faults and partial dislocations are commonly observed in the Transmission Electron Microscopy foils whereas inclusions are rather rare. Combinations of (Ca_0.81Mn_0.19)SiO₃, NiMnCo‐alloy and nano‐size, quenched fluid phases were observed as inclusions in the PKO diamonds, confirming a natural origin of these diamonds. We believe that the δ¹³C‐depleted carbon signature of the PKO diamonds is a remnant of previously subducted crustal matter. These diamonds may have crystallized in metal‐rich melts in the asthenospheric mantle at depth below 250 km which were subsequently carried rapidly upward by asthenospheric melts/fliuds. We concluded that diamond‐bearing asthenospheric melts were likely involved in the formation of the Pozanti‐Karsanti podiform chromitite.     

Carbon and nitrogen isotope,and mineral inclusion studies on the diamonds from the Pozanti–Karsanti chromitite,Turkey

The Pozanti–Karsanti ophiolite (PKO) is one of the largest oceanic remnants in the Tauride belt, Turkey. Micro-diamonds were recovered from the podiform chromitites, and these diamonds were investigated based on morphology, color, cathodoluminescence, nitrogen content, carbon and nitrogen isotopes, internal structure and inclusions. The diamonds recovered from the PKO are mainly mixed-habit diamonds with sectors of different brightness under the cathodoluminescence images. The total δ¹³C range of the PKO diamonds varies between ??18.8 and ??28.4‰, with a principle δ¹³C mode at ??25‰. Nitrogen contents of the diamonds range from 7 to 541 ppm with a mean value of 171 ppm, and the δ¹⁵N values range from ??19.1 to 16.6‰, with a δ¹⁵N mode of ??9‰. Stacking faults and partial dislocations are commonly observed in the Transmission Electron Microscopy foils whereas inclusions are rather rare. Combinations of (Ca_0.81Mn_0.19)SiO₃, NiMnCo-alloy and nano-sized, quenched fluid phases were observed as inclusions in the PKO diamonds. We believe that the ¹³C-depleted carbon signature of the PKO diamonds derived from previously subducted crustal matter. These diamonds may have crystallized from C-saturated fluids in the asthenospheric mantle at depth below 250 km which were subsequently carried rapidly upward by asthenospheric melts.     

无色-近无色高温高压合成钻石的谱图特征及其鉴别方法

实验室发现大量小颗粒的无色高温高压(HPHT)合成钻石与天然钻石混杂镶嵌在各种饰品中,前人提出荧光和磷光特征是主要的快速区分特征,然而荧光、磷光特征的差异并不能完全将HPHT合成钻石与天然钻石区分开来。本文将常规的宝石学观察分析与多种高精度谱学测试相结合,对五粒不同的无色-近无色HPHT合成钻石样品进行深入研究。结果表明,五粒钻石在紫外可见吸收光谱无270 nm吸收或是只有极弱的270 nm吸收,随着颜色级别的降低,270 nm吸收越明显。红外光谱测试显示,各粒样品中都含有不等量的硼元素。光致发光光谱测试表明,HPHT合成钻石含有与微量N、Ni、Si等相关的晶格缺陷。超短波紫外光源激发下,所有的HPHT合成钻石都有强磷光,在钻石观察仪下可以观测到清晰的八面体和立方体分区特征。显然,不同的合成钻石的特征略有差异,但综合其荧光及磷光特征以及红外、紫外、光致发光光谱特征,可以准确地将无色HPHT合成钻石与对应的天然钻石区分开来。     

The transformation features of impurity defects in natural diamonds of various habits under high <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> conditions

The results of the investigations of the transformation of impurity defects in natural diamonds of various habits at the stage of high-temperature annealing at P = 6 GPa and T = 2200°C are presented. The studies conducted allowed us to ascertain that the transformations of Aand B-defects in diamonds of octahedral and cubic habits follow general regularities. This fact shows that most of the diamonds of cubic habit with low degree of aggregation of nitrogen centers were not really annealed over a long-term interval. Unlike octahedral diamonds, those of cubic habit are characterized by a pronounced increase in the peak of H-containing defects (3107 cm^–1) after annealing.     

FTIR Spectroscopy Data and Carbon Isotope Characteristics of the Ophiolite‐hosted Diamonds

We report new δ¹³C ‐values data and N‐content and N‐aggregation state values for microdiamonds recovered from peridotites and chromitites of the Luobusa ophiolite (Tibet) and chromitites of the Ray‐Iz ophiolite in the Polar Urals (Russia). All analyzed microdiamonds contain significant nitrogen contents (from 108 up to 589 ± 20% atomic ppm) with a consistently low aggregation state, show identical IR spectra dominated by strong absorption between 1130 cm^?1 and 1344 cm^?1, and hence characterize Type Ib diamond. Microdiamonds from the Luobusa peridotites have δ¹³C ‐PDB‐values ranging from ‐28.7‰ to ‐16.9‰, and N‐contents from 151 to 589 atomic ppm. The δ¹³C and N‐content values for diamonds from the Luobusa chromitites are ‐29‰ to ‐15.5‰ and 152 to 428 atomic ppm, respectively. Microdiamonds from the Ray‐Iz chromitites show values varying from ‐27.6 ‰ to ‐21.6 ‰ in δ¹³C and from 108 to 499 atomic ppm in N. The carbon isotopes values bear similar features with previously analyzed metamorphic diamonds from other worldwide localities, but the samples are characterized by lower N‐contents. In every respect, they are different from diamonds occurring in kimberlites and impact craters. Our samples also differ from the few synthetic diamonds; we also analyzed showing enhanced δ¹³C ‐variability and less advanced aggregation state than synthetic diamonds. Our newly obtained N‐aggregation state and N‐content data are consistent with diamond formation over a narrow and rather cold temperature range (i.e. <950°C), and in a short residence time (i.e. within several million years) at high temperatures in the deep mantle.     

Evidence for large scale fractionation of carbon isotopes and of nitrogen impurity during crystallization of gem quality cubic diamonds from placers of North Yakutia

The spatial distribution of carbon and nitrogen isotopes and of nitrogen concentrations is studied in detail in three gem quality cubic diamonds of variety II according to Orlov’s classification. Combined with the data on composition of fluid inclusions our results point to the crystallization of the diamonds from a presumably oxidized carbonate fluid. It is shown that in the growth direction δ¹³C of the diamond becomes systematically lighter by 2–3‰ (from –13.7 to –15.6‰ for one profile and from –11.7 to –14.1‰ for a second profile). Simultaneously, we observe substantial decrease in the nitrogen concentration (from 400–1000 to 10–30 at ppm) and a previously unrecognized enrichment of nitrogen in light isotope, exceeding 30‰. The systematic and substantial changes of the chemical and isotopic composition can be explained using the Burton-Prim-Slichter model, which relates partition coefficients of an impurity with the crystal growth rate. It is shown that changes in effective partition coefficients due to a gradual decrease in crystal growth rate describes fairly well the observed scale of the chemical and isotopic variations if the diamond-fluid partition coefficient for nitrogen is significantly smaller than unity. This model shows that nitrogen isotopic composition in diamond may result from isotopic fractionation during growth and not reflect isotopic composition of the mantle fluid. Furthermore, it is shown that the infra-red absorption at 1332 сm^-1 is an integral part of the Y-defect spectrum. In the studied natural diamonds the 1290 сm^-1 IR absorption band does not correlate with boron concentration.     

The behaviour of platelets in natural diamonds and the development of a new mantle thermometer

Platelets are one of the most common defects occurring in natural diamonds but their behaviour has not previously been well understood. Recent technical advances, and a much improved understanding of the correct interpretation of the main infrared (IR) feature associated with platelets (Speich et al. 2017), facilitated a systematic study of platelets in 40 natural diamonds. Three different types of platelet behaviour were identified here. Regular diamonds show linear correlations between both B-centre concentrations and platelet density and also between platelet size and platelet density. Irregular diamonds display reduced platelet density due to platelet breakdown, anomalously large or small platelets and a larger platelet size distribution. These features are indicative of high mantle storage temperatures. Finally, a previously unreported category of subregular diamonds is defined. These diamonds experienced low mantle residence temperatures and show smaller than expected platelets. Combining the systematic variation in platelet density with temperatures of mantle storage, determined by nitrogen aggregation, we can demonstrate that platelet degradation proceeds at a predictable rate. Thus, in platelet-bearing diamonds where N aggregation is complete, an estimate of annealing temperature can now be made for the first time.     

Diamondiferous Archean rocks of the Olondo greenstone belt (western Aldan–Stanovoy shield)

Diamond from metaultramafic rocks of the Mesoarchean (2.96–3.0 Ga) Olondo greenstone belt, located in the western Aldan–Stanovoy shield, has been studied. Diamonds occur in lenses of olivine–serpentine–talc rocks within metaultramafic rocks of intrusive habit, whose composition corresponds to peridotite komatiites. All diamonds from the metaultramafic rocks are crystal fragments 0.3 to 0.5 mm in size. Morphological examination has revealed laminar octahedra, their transitional forms to dodecahedroids, crystals with polycentric faces, and spinel twins. The crystals vary in photoluminescence color: dark blue, green, yellow, red, or albescent. Characteristic absorption bands in crystals point to nitrogen impurities in the form of A and B1 defects and tabular B2 defects. The crystals studied belong to the IaA/B type, common among natural diamonds. The overall nitrogen content varies from < 100 to 3800 ppm. The relative content of nitrogen in B1 centers varies from 0 to 94%, pointing to long stay in the mantle. The carbon isotope ratio in the diamonds, ¹³C = ? 26‰, is indicative of involvement of subducted crust matter in diamond formation in the Archean.     

Diamonds: time capsules from the Siberian Mantle

Diamonds are thought to be “time capsules” from the Earth's mantle. However, by themselves, consisting of nearly pure carbon, diamonds provide little geochemical information about their conditions of formation and the nature of their mantle hosts. This obstacle to studying the origin of diamonds and their hosts can be overcome by using two main approaches that focus on studying: (1) the rocks that contain diamonds, i.e., diamondiferous xenoliths; and (2) mineral inclusions within the diamonds, the time capsule's little treasures, if you will. Diamondiferous xenoliths, their diamonds, and mineral inclusions within the diamonds are the subject of this review, focusing on studies of samples from the Yakutian kimberlites in the Siberian Platform.Studies of diamondiferous eclogite xenoliths significantly enhance our understanding of the complex petrogenesis of this important group of rocks and their diamonds. Such studies involve various geochemical and petrological investigations of these eclogites, including major and trace-element, radiogenic as well as stable isotopic analyses of whole rocks and minerals. The results from these studies have clearly established that the Group A-C eclogites originate from subduction of ancient oceanic crust. This theory is probably applicable worldwide.Within the last several years, our research group at Tennessee has undertaken the systematic dissection (pull apart) of diamondiferous eclogites from Siberia, consisting of the following steps: (1) high-resolution computed X-ray tomography of the xenoliths to produce 3D images that relate the minerals of the xenoliths to their diamonds; (2) detailed dissection of the entire xenolith to reveal the diamonds inside, followed by characterization of the setting of the diamonds within their enclosing minerals; and (3) extraction of diamonds from the xenolith for further investigation of the diamonds and their inclusions. In this last step, it is important that the nature and relative positions of the diamond inclusions are carefully noted in order to maximize the number of inclusions that can be exposed simultaneously on one polished surface. In this modus operandi, cathodoluminescence imaging, plus FTIR/N aggregation and C/N isotopic analyses are performed on polished diamond surfaces to reveal their internal growth zones and the spatial relationship of the mineral inclusions to these zones.Knowledge gained by such detailed, albeit work-intensive, studies continues to add immensely to the constantly evolving models of the origin of diamonds and their host rocks in the Earth's mantle, as well as to lithospheric stability models in cratonic areas. Multiple lines of evidence indicate the ultimate crustal origin for the majority of mantle eclogites. Similar pieces of evidence, particularly from δ¹³C in P-type diamonds and δ¹⁸O in peridotitic garnets lead to the suggestion that at least some of the mantle peridotites, including diamondiferous ones, as well as inclusions in P-type diamonds, may have had a crustal protolith as well.     

Formation of mosaic diamonds from the Zarnitsa kimberlite

Mosaic diamonds from the Zarnitsa kimberlite (Daldyn field, Yakutian diamondiferous province) are morphologicaly and structurally similar to dark gray mosaic diamonds of varieties V and VII found frequently in placers of the northeastern Siberian craton. However, although being similar in microstructure, the two groups of diamonds differ in formation mechanism: splitting of crystals in the case of placer diamonds (V and VII) and growth by geometric selection in the Zarnitsa kimberlite diamonds. Selective growth on originally polycrystalline substrates in the latter has produced radial micro structures with grains coarsening rimward from distinctly polycrystalline cores. Besides the formation mechanisms, diamonds of the two groups differ in origin of mineral inclusions, distribution of defects and nitrogen impurity, and carbon isotope composition. Unlike the placer diamonds of varieties V and VII, the analyzed crystals from the Zarnitsa kimberlite enclose peridotitic minerals (olivines and subcalcic Cr-bearing pyropes) and have total nitrogen contents common to natural kimberlitic diamonds (0 to 1761 ppm) and typical mantle carbon isotope compositions (-1.9 to -6.2%c 5¹³C; -4.2%c on average). The distribution of defect centers in the Zarnitsa diamond samples fits the annealing model implying that nitrogen aggregation decreases from core to rim.     

Discovery and Significance of Diamonds and Moissanites in Chromitite within the Skenderbeu Massif of the Mirdita Zone Ophiolite, West Albania

In recent years diamonds and other unusual minerals(carbides,nitrides,metal alloys and native elements) have been recovered from mantle peridotites and chromitites(both high-Cr chromitites and high-Al chromitites) from a number of ophiolites of different ages and tectonic settings.Here we report a similar assemblage of minerals from the Skenderbeu massif of the Mirdita zone ophiolite,west Albania.So far,more than 20 grains of microdiamonds and 30 grains of moissanites(SiC) have been separated from the podiform chromitite.The diamonds are mostly light yellow,transparent,euhedral crystals,200~300 μm across,with a range of morphologies;some are octahedral and cuboctahedron and others are elongate and irregular.Secondary electron images show that some grains have well-developed striatums.All the diamond grains have been analyzed and yielded typical Raman spectra with a shift at ~1325 cm~(-1).The moissanite grains recovered from the Skenderbeu chromitites are mainly light blue to dark blue,but some are yellow to light yeUow.All the analyzed grains have typical Raman spectra with shifts at 766 cm~(-1),787 cm~(-1),and 967 cm~(-1).The energy spectrums of the moissanites confirm that the grains are composed entirely of silicon and carbon.This investigation expands the occurrence of diamonds and moissanites to Mesozoic ophiolites in the Neo-Tethys.Our new findings suggest that diamonds and moissanites are present,and probably ubiquitous in the oceanic mantle and can provide new perspectives and avenues for research on the origin of ophiolites and podiform chromitites.     

Volatile composition of microinclusions in diamonds from the Panda kimberlite, Canada: Implications for chemical and isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle

In order to better investigate the compositions and the origins of fluids associated with diamond growth, we have carried-out combined noble gas (He and Ar), C and N isotope, K, Ca and halogen (Cl, Br, I) determinations on fragments of individual microinclusion-bearing diamonds from the Panda kimberlite, North West Territories, Canada. The fluid concentrations of halogens and noble gases in Panda diamonds are enriched by several orders of magnitude over typical upper mantle abundances. However, noble gas, C and N isotopic ratios (³He/⁴He = 4-6 Ra, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar = 20,000-30,000, δ¹³C = −4.5‰ to −6.9‰ and δ¹⁵N = −1.2‰ to −8.8‰) are within the worldwide range determined for fibrous diamonds and similar to the mid ocean ridge basalt (MORB) source value. The high ³⁶Ar content of the diamonds (>1 × 10⁻⁹ cm³/g) is at least an order of magnitude higher than any previously reported mantle sample and enables the ³⁶Ar content of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle to be estimated at ∼0.6 × 10⁻¹² cm³/g, again similar to estimates for the MORB source. Three fluid types distinguished on the basis of Ca-K-Cl compositions are consistent with carbonatitic, silicic and saline end-members identified in previous studies of diamonds from worldwide sources. These fluid end-members also have distinct halogen ratios (Br/Cl and I/Cl). The role of subducted seawater-derived halogens, originally invoked to explain some of the halogen ratio variations in diamonds, is not considered an essential component in the formation of the fluids. In contrast, it is considered that large halogen fractionation of a primitive mantle ratio occurs during fluid-melt partitioning in forming silicic fluids, and during separation of an immiscible saline fluid.     

On the possibility of a kinetic fractionation of nitrogen stable isotopes during natural diamond growth

In a diamond from New South Wales (Australia), cubic and octahedral growth sectors, as identified by cathodoluminescence (CL), show slight differences in N-contents of 29 and 42 ppm respectively but no significant differences in either δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and nitrogen aggregation state with values at +1.96‰, +19.4‰, and 25% Type IaAB aggregation, respectively.Two gem cubes from the Orapa kimberlite (Botswana) were studied by CL revealing a nonfaceted cubic growth. Accordingly, nine other gem cubes were combusted and yielded δ¹³C-values from -5.33‰ to -6.63‰, δ¹⁵N from -1.0‰ to -5.5‰, and nitrogen contents from 914 to 1168 ppm, with nitrogen aggregation state being only Type IaA (zero % B). The gem cubes show striking similarities to fibrous/coated diamonds, not only in both δ¹³C ranges (less than 3‰ from -5 to -8‰), but also in the high levels of nitrogen (≈ 1000 ppm), suggesting that the two diamond types are related. Additionally, no δ¹⁵N variation was detected between the cube and octahedral growth sectors of the Australian diamond, in the cube sectors of the nine gem cubes from Botswana, nor in fibrous/coated diamonds previously studied. These analyses contrast with an earlier study on a synthetic diamond, which reported a strong kinetic fractionation of N-isotopes of about 40‰ between cube and octahedral growth. The present evidence, therefore, suggests that kinetic fractionation of N-isotopes does not operate during natural diamond formation.     

A subduction wedge origin for Paleoarchean peridotitic diamonds and harzburgites from the Panda kimberlite, Slave craton: evidence from Re–Os isotope systematics

An extensive study of peridotitic sulfide inclusion bearing diamonds and their prospective harzburgitic host rocks from the 53 Ma Panda kimberlite pipe, Ekati Mine, NWT Canada, has been undertaken with the Re–Os system to establish their age and petrogenesis. Diamonds with peridotitic sulfide inclusions have poorly aggregated nitrogen (<30% N as B centers) at N contents of 200–800 ppm which differs from that of chromite and silicate bearing diamonds and indicates residence in the cooler portion of the Slave craton lithospheric mantle. For most of the sulfide inclusions, relatively low Re contents (average 0.457 ppm) and high Os contents (average 339 ppm) lead to extremely low ¹⁸⁷Re/¹⁸⁸Os, typically << 0.05. An age of 3.52 ± 0.17 Ga (MSWD = 0.46) and a precise initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os of 0.1093 ± 0.0001 are given by a single regression of 11 inclusions from five diamonds that individually provide coincident internal isochrons. This initial Os isotopic composition is 6% enriched in ¹⁸⁷Os over 3.5 Ga chondritic or primitive mantle. Sulfide inclusions with less radiogenic initial Os isotopic compositions reflect isotopic heterogeneity in diamond forming fluids. The harzburgites have even lower initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os than the sulfide inclusions, some approaching the isotopic composition of 3.5 Ga chondritic mantle. In several cases isotopically distinct sulfides occur in different growth zones of the same diamond. This supports a model where C–O–H–S fluids carrying a radiogenic Os signature were introduced into depleted harzburgite and produced diamonds containing sulfides conforming to the 3.5 Ga isochron. Reaction of this fluid with harzburgite led to diamonds with less radiogenic inclusions while elevating the Os isotope ratios of some harzburgites. Subduction is a viable way of introducing such fluids. This implies a role for subduction in creating early continental nuclei at 3.5 Ga and generating peridotitic diamonds.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

Diamonds from the Buffalo Head Hills,Alberta: Formation in a non-conventional setting

Kimberlite pipes K11, K91 and K252 in the Buffalo Head Hills, northern Alberta show an unusually large abundance (20%) of Type II (no detectable nitrogen) diamonds. Type I diamonds range in nitrogen content from 6 ppm to 3300 ppm and in aggregation states from low (IaA) to complete (IaB). The Type IaB diamonds extend to the lowest nitrogen concentrations yet observed at such high aggregation states, implying that mantle residence occurred at temperatures well above normal lithospheric conditions. Syngenetic mineral inclusions indicate lherzolitic, harzburgitic, wehrlitic and eclogitic sources. Pyropic garnet and forsteritic olivine characterize the peridotitic paragenesis from these pipes. One lherzolitic garnet inclusion has a moderately majoritic composition indicating a formation depth of ∼ 400 km. A wehrlitic paragenesis is documented by a Ca-rich, high-chromium garnet and very CaO-rich (0.11–0.14 wt.%) olivine. Omphacitic pyroxene and almandine-rich garnet are characteristic of the eclogitic paragenesis. A bimodal δ¹³C distribution with peaks at − 5‰ and − 17‰ is observed for diamonds from all three kimberlite pipes. A large proportion (∼ 40%) of isotopically light diamonds (δ¹³C < −10‰) indicates a predominantly eclogitic paragenesis.The Buffalo Head Terrane is of Lower Proterozoic metamorphic age (2.3–2.0 Ga) and hence an unconventional setting for diamond exploration. Buffalo Hills diamonds formed during multiple events in an atypical mantle setting. The presence of majorite and abundance of Type II and Type IaB diamonds suggests formation under sublithospheric conditions, possibly in a subducting slab and resulting megalith. Type IaA to IaAB diamonds indicate formation and storage under lower temperature in normal lithospheric conditions.     

Chromatographic study of formation conditions of rhombododecahedral diamond crystals

The results of chromatographic study of the formation of rhombododecahedral diamonds synthesized in the Fe-Ni-(Ti)-C system at 5.5–6.0 GPa and 1350–1450°C are presented, including crystals with rounded surfaces of the rhombododecahedron with parallel striation, which are morphological analogues of natural diamonds abundant at various kimberlite, lamproite, and placer deposits. Chromatography was performed at 150°C with mechanical breakup of diamonds. The stable release of methane when diamonds of habit {110} are crushed is established. It is concluded that the appearance of the habit rhombododecahedron may be related not only to the effect of temperature and pressure on crystal growth but also to reductive conditions of crystallization. At the same time, the appearance of significant amounts of hydrocarbons in the system probably results in stopping of the growth of faces {110} and {100} and, instead, formation of specific surfaces that are composed of microscopic accessories faced by planes {111}.     

Diamonds and Their Mineral Inclusions,and What They Tell Us: A Detailed “Pull-Apart” of a Diamondiferous Eclogite

For the first time, three-dimensional, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) of an eclogite xenolith from Yakutia has successfully imaged diamonds and their textural relationships with coexisting minerals. Thirty (30) macrodiamonds (≥1 mm), with a total weight of just over 3 carats, for an ore grade of some 27,000 ct/ton, were found in a small (4 × 5 × 6 cm) eclogite, U51/3, from Udachnaya. Based upon 3-D imaging, the diamonds appear to be associated with zones of secondary alteration of clinopyroxene (Cpx) in the xenolith. The presence of diamonds with secondary minerals strongly suggests that the diamonds formed after the eclogite, in conjunction with meta-somatic input(s) of carbon-rich fluids. Metasomatic processes are also indicated by the non-systematic variations in Cpx inclusion chemistry in the several diamonds. The inclusions in the diamonds vary considerably in major- and trace-element chemistry within and between diamonds, and do not correspond to the minerals of the host eclogite, whose compositions are extremely homogeneous. Some Cpx inclusions possess +Eu anomalies, probably inherited from their crustal source rocks. The only consistent feature for the Cpx crystals in the inclusions is that they have higher K₂O than the Cpx grains in the host.

The δ¹³C compositions are relatively constant at ?5% both within and between diamonds, whereas δ¹⁵N values vary from ?2.8% to ?15.8%. Within a diamond, the total N varies considerably from 15 to 285 ppm in one diamond to 103 to 1250 ppm in another. Cathodoluminescent imaging reveals extremely contorted zonations and complex growth histories in the diamonds, indicating large variations in growth environments for each diamond.

This study directly bears on the concept of diamond inclusions as time capsules for investigating the mantle of the Earth. If diamonds and their inclusions can vary so much within this one small xenolith, the significance of their compositions is a serious question that must be addressed in all diamond-inclusion endeavors.     

The ordered creation of paramagnetic defects at plastic deformation of natural diamonds

The EPR-study showed that natural purple diamonds from kimberlites of Eastern Siberia (Russia) contain well known P1, P2 (in some samples), W7, and N2 centers. The EPR spectra of these centers were typical of plastically deformed diamond single crystals. Besides, several intense additional spectra of di-nitrogen centers were observed in purple diamonds. The angular dependence analysis of these spectra showed that they can be attributed to known M2 centers. Comparison of principal axis directions observed for sites of the M2 center in purple diamond crystals with theoretically predicted directions in the twin crystal revealed that these centers are allocated exclusively to the twinned lamellae. Unusual phenomenon of the ordered distribution of paramagnetic centers in natural purple diamonds confirmed that the plastic deformation in natural diamonds can be induced not only by the slip of dislocations but also by the mechanical twinning.     

Fe–S melt as a likely solvent of diamond under mantle conditions

The first results of experimental study of diamond dissolution in a S-bearing Fe melt at high P–T parameters are reported and the morphology of partially dissolved crystals is compared with that of natural diamonds. Our results show that under the experimental conditions (4 GPa, 1400°C), flat-faced octahedral diamond crystals are transformed into curve-faced octahedroids with morphological features similar to those of natural diamonds.