Petrochemical evaluation of the diamond potentials of Yakutian kimberlite fields

The diamond potentials of nine kimberlite bodies occurring in the Mirnyi, Nakyn, AlakitMarkha, and Daldyn fields were studied by examination of 2026 10-m core intervals. Most typical rock samples of about 1 kg were taken from each interval for X-ray fluorescence analysis of silicates. A total of 6715 kimberlite samples were analyzed. Pairwise correlation coefficients between mean compositions of kimberlites and their diamond contents were calculated. Correlations with diamond presence (99%) were found only for TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and K₂O. The negative correlation with TiO₂ and the positive correlation with K₂O can serve as criteria for diamond presence. These dependences are in good agreement with the petrochemical population model. According to this model, the decrease in TiO₂ contents in the range 3.0–0.01% and the increase in K₂O content to 0.85% are related to larger depths of parental melting zones. Contents of K₂O exceeding 0.85% are determined by the presence of garnet pyroxenites, associated with processes accompanying oceanic crust subduction, in magma formation zones. Formation of parental melts at larger depths determines higher diamond potentials of kimberlite bodies. Our results confirm the hypothesis that kimberlite parental melts are selective melts of lithospheric peridotites saturated with water and carbon dioxide.     

Petrography,Sr-isotope geochemistry and geochronology of the Nxau Nxau kimberlites,north-west Botswana

The Nxau Nxau kimberlites in northwest Botswana belong to the Xaudum kimberlite province that also includes the Sikereti, Kaudom and Gura kimberlite clusters in north-east Namibia. The Nxau Nxau kimberlites lie on the southernmost extension of the Congo Craton, which incorporates part of the Damara Orogenic Belt on its margin. The Xaudum kimberlite province is geographically isolated from other known clusters but occurs within the limits of the NW-SE oriented, Karoo-aged Okavango Dyke Swarm and near NE-SW faults interpreted as the early stages of the East African Rift System. Petrographic, geochronological and isotopic studies were undertaken to characterise the nature of these kimberlites and the timing of their emplacement. The Nxau Nxau kimberlites exhibit groundmass textures, mineral phases and Sr-isotope compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i of 0.7036 ± 0.0002; 2σ) that are characteristic of archetypal (Group I) kimberlites. U-Pb perovskite, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar phlogopite and Rb-Sr phlogopite ages indicate that the kimberlites were emplaced in the Cretaceous, with perovskite from four samples yielding a preferred weighted average U-Pb age of 84 ± 4 Ma (2σ). This age is typical of many kimberlites in southern Africa, indicating that the Xaudum occurrences form part of this widespread Late Cretaceous kimberlite magmatic province. This time marks a significant period of tectonic stress reorganisation that could have provided the trigger for kimberlite magmatism. In this regard, the Nxau Nxau kimberlites may form part of a NE-SW oriented trend such as the Lucapa corridor, with implications for further undiscovered kimberlites along this corridor.

     

Polygenetic sources of kimberlites, magma composition, and diamond potential exemplified by the East European and Siberian cratons

The petrological and geochemical characteristics of kimberlites from two Russian provinces of the northern East European craton (EEP) and the Siberian craton (SC) (especially the Yakutian diamondiferous province, YDP), and aphanitic kimberlites from the Jericho pipe (Canada) were compared for the elucidation of some aspects of the genesis of these rocks. The comparison of the EEP and YDP showed that they comprise identical rock associations with some variations in kimberlite composition between particular fields and regions, which are clearly manifested in the TiO₂-K₂O, TiO₂-(Y, Zr, HREE), SiO₂-MgO, SiO₂-Al₂O₃, MgO-Ni, MgO-CO₂, and MgO-H₂O diagrams and in variations in light element ratios (Li/Yb, Be/Nd, and B/Nb). The compositions of YDP kimberlites are confined mainly to quadrant III; i.e., their source was mainly the depleted mantle, whereas the compositions of EEP kimberlites fall within all four quadrants in the fields of both enriched and slightly depleted mantle reservoirs. The initial (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd) _i ratio of kimberlites from the Yakutian collection is 0.5121–0.5126. The lead isotopic characteristics of the EEP and YDP kimberlites are similar to mantle values: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 16.19–19.14, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.44–15.61, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 34.99–38.55. In the ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb-²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram, part of the kimberlites, including those from the Botuobiya pipe, fall within the lower part of the field of group I kimberlites from southern Africa near the Pb isotopic composition of the depleted mantle. It was shown that the chemical compositions of the aphanitic kimberlites of the Jericho pipe (supposedly approaching the composition of primary magmas) are similar to those of some individual kimberlite samples from the YDP and EEP. It was supposed that the initial kimberlite melt arrived from the asthenosphere and was enriched in water and other volatile components (especially CO₂). During its ascent to the surface, the melt assimilated mantle components, primarily MgO; as a result, it acquired the compositional characteristics observed in kimberlites. Subsequent compositional modifications were related to diverse factors, including the type of mantle metasomatism, degree of melting, etc. We emphasized the importance of petrological and geochemical criteria (low contents of HREE and Ti in the rocks and a kimberlite source similar to BSE or EMI) for the estimation of the diamond potential of rocks.     

Mineralogy and petrography of a kimberlite-picrite dike in the northwestern Urik-Iya Graben,the eastern Sayan region

Mica kimberlite and alkali picrite were identified in the northwestern Urik-Iya Graben of the eastern Sayan region. Typomorphism of Cr-diopside and high-Cr (up to 55.22 wt % Cr₂O₃) spinel from kimberlite of the Bushkanai dike indicate that the melt was generated in the mantle, composed of spinel peridotite. The high content of Cr-spinel (45–55 wt % Cr₂O₃) microlites in the groundmass of kimberlite and small amounts of ulvospinel and titanomagnetite in the absence of perovskite testifies to the diamond potential of this kimberlite. Picroilmenite, manganoilmenite with an anomalously high MnO content (11.37–17.78 wt %), and barium titanate with (wt %) 62.21 TiO₂, 0.61 Cr₂O₃, 15.89 FeO, 4.05 MnO, 1.71 CaO, and 11.13 BaO close in composition to a new mineral species from the Murun pluton were identified in the groundmass for the first time. Kimberlite from the Bushkanai dike belongs to the Zolotitsa low-Ti geochemical type of kimberlites derived from the slightly enriched lithospheric mantle EM1. The distribution of trace elements, including REE, in picrite from the same dike corresponds to the slightly depleted asthenospheric mantle. Different mantle sources of kimberlite and picrite from the same dike indicate that these rocks are related to independent melts rather than to products of fractionation of a common parental alkaline ultramafic magma.     

Evaluating the diamondiferous potential of unaltered kimberlites by the population models of their composition

430 chemical analyses of rocks and their diamondiferous potential are used to identify correlations between the diamondiferous potential of rocks and their petrochemical parameters. Samples for this research were collected from selected intervals of core materials, which were also examined for diamond content (a few samples from each interval), from the Nyurbinskaya, Botuobinskaya, Internatsional??naya, Mir, Aikhal, Yubileinaya, Satykanskaya, Udachnaya-West, and Udachnaya-East pipes. Typochemical indications of diamondiferous potential are TiO₂ and K₂O concentrations and the CaO/MgO ratio. System models developed for diamondiferous kimberlites allowed distinguishing two trends of their compositional variability. One of the trends is defined by the negatively correlated TiO₂ and K₂O concentrations of the rocks. This trend is discrete and can be statistically justifiably subdivided into seven segments, each of which represents a population of compositions produced under similar physicochemical conditions. Experimental data confirm that this trend can be closely related to the diamondiferous potential. Diamond richest kimberlites are practically free of TiO₂, whereas diamond poorest ones contain as much as 3% of this oxide. The former and the latter rocks were produced at the greatest and shallowest depths, respectively. The other trend is exhibited in all populations and subdivides them into discrete groups (varieties of the populations) with systematically decreasing CaO/MgO ratio. This parameter is nonlinearly correlated with the diamondiferous potential, and its increase corresponds to a systematic increase in the melting temperature of the source material. Certain kimberlite populations contain anomalously high K₂O concentrations, perhaps, because of mantle metasomatism or the presence of fragments of oceanic crustal material in the magma generation region. In these instances, numerous diamonds could crystallize in the parental melts under high pressures (>100 kbar). The paper presents statistical analysis of pair regressions of the contents of indicative oxides and diamondiferous potential and a graphical multiple-link model for correlations between concentrations of major oxides and diamondiferous potential. Tests of the predictions of diamondiferous potential on the basis of chemical parameters confirm that these predictions are accurate in 85?C90% of the instances.     

Highly evolved hypabyssal kimberlite sills from Wemindji,Quebec, Canada: insights into the process of flow differentiation in kimberlite magmas

Kimberlite sills emplaced in granite located near the town of Wemindji (Quebec, Canada) range from 2 cm to 1.2 m in thickness. The sills exhibit a wide variation in macroscopic appearance from fine-grained aphanitic dolomitic hypabyssal kimberlite to ilmenite/garnet macrocrystal hypabyssal kimberlite. Diatreme or crater facies rocks are not present. Multiple intrusions are present within the sills, and graded bedding and erosional features such as cross-bedding are common. The sills exhibit a wide range in their modal mineralogy with respect to the abundances of spinel, apatite, phlogopite and dolomite. Olivine is the dominant macrocryst, with an average composition of Fo₉₀. Garnet macrocrysts are low chrome (2–3 wt. %) pyrope (G1/G9 garnet). Ilmenite occurs as rounded macrocrysts (7–13 wt. % MgO). Phlogopite microphenocrysts are Ti-poor and represent a solid solution between phlogopite and kinoshitalite end members. Spinel compositions mainly represent the Cr-poor members of the qandilite–ulvöspinel–magnetite series. The principle carbonate comprising the groundmass is dolomite, with lesser later-forming calcite. Accessory minerals include apatite, Sr-rich calcite, Nb-rich rutile, baddeleyite, monazite-(Ce) and barite. While some of these accessory minerals are atypical of kimberlites in general, it is expected that differentiation products of an evolved carbonate-rich kimberlite magma will crystallize these phases. The Wemindji kimberlites offer insight into the process of crystal fractionation and differentiation in evolved kimberlite magmas. The macroscopic textural features observed in the Wemindji sills are interpreted to represent flow differentiation of a mantle-derived, very fluid, low viscosity carbonate-rich kimberlite. The diverse modes and textural features result entirely from flow differentiation and multiple intrusions of different batches of genetically related kimberlite magma. The mineralogy of the Wemindji kimberlites has some similarities to that of the Wesselton and Benfontein calcite kimberlite sills but differs in detail with respect to dominant carbonate (i.e. dolomite versus calcite), and the character of the rare earth-bearing accessory minerals (i.e. monazite-(Ce) versus rare earth fluorocarbonates).     

Geology of the Renard 65 kimberlite pipe,Québec,Canada

Renard 65, a diamondiferous pipe in the Neoproterozoic Renard kimberlite cluster (Québec, Canada), is a steeply-dipping and downward-tapering diatreme comprised of three pipe-filling units: kimb65a, kimb65b, and kimb65d. The pipe is surrounded by a marginal and variably-brecciated country rock aureole and is crosscut by numerous hypabyssal dykes: kimb65c. Extensive petrographic and mineralogical characterization of over 700 m of drill core from four separate drill holes, suggests that Renard 65 is a Group I kimberlite, mineralogically classified as phlogopite kimberlite and serpentine-phlogopite kimberlite. Kimb65a is a massive volcaniclastic kimberlite dominated by lithic clasts, magmaclasts, and discrete olivine macrocrysts, hosted within a fine-grained diopside and serpentine-rich matrix. Kimb65b is massive, macrocrystic, coherent kimberlite with a groundmass assemblage of phlogopite, spinel, perovskite, apatite, calcite, serpentine and rare monticellite. Kimb65c is a massive, macrocrystic, hypabyssal kimberlite with a groundmass assemblage of phlogopite, serpentine, calcite, perovskite, spinel, and apatite. Kimb65d is massive volcaniclastic kimberlite with localized textures that are intermediate between volcaniclastic and coherent, with tightly packed magmaclasts separated by a diopside- and serpentine-rich matrix. Lithic clasts of granite-gneiss in kimb65a are weakly reacted, with partial melting of feldspars and crystallization of richterite and actinolite. Lithic clasts in kimb65b and kimb65d are entirely recrystallized to calcite + serpentine/chlorite + pectolite and display inner coronas of diopside-aegirine and an outer corona of phlogopite. Compositions are reported for all minerals in the groundmass of coherent kimberlites, magmaclasts, interclast matrices, and reacted lithic clasts. The Renard 65 rocks are texturally classified as Kimberley-type pyroclastic kimberlites and display transitional textures. The kimberlite units are interpreted to have formed in three melt batches based on their distinct spinel chemistry: kimb65a, kimb65b and kimb65d. We note a strong correlation between the modal abundances of lithic clasts and the textures of the kimberlites, where increasing modal abundances of granite/gneiss are observed in kimberlites with increasingly fragmental textures.

     

Mineralogy and geochemistry of Devonian ultramafic minor intrusions of the southern Kola Peninsula, Russia: implications for the petrogenesis of kimberlites and melilitites

Minor magmatic intrusions of kimberlite, melilitite and cpx-melilitite occur in the southern part of the Kola Peninsula, Russia, on the Terskii Coast and near the town of Kandalaksha. They yield K-Ar ages of 382 ± 14 Ma and 365 ± 16 Ma, similar to the magmatic rocks from the Kola Alkaline Province. The Terskii Coast kimberlites have mineralogical and geochemical affinities with group 1 kimberlites, whereas the Kandalaksha monticellite kimberlite more closely resembles calcite kimberlites. The lower Al₂O₃ content in the Kola kimberlites indicates a strongly depleted harzburgitic source, while higher Al₂O₃ in the melilitites suggests a lherzolitic source. The Terskii Coast kimberlites are anomalously potassic and significantly enriched in P and Ba compared to other group 1 kimberlites. In contrast, the melilitites are sodic and are anomalously depleted in P compared to worldwide melilitites. Trace element patterns of the Kola kimberlites and melilitites indicate the presence of K- and P-rich phases in the mantle source. To account for the K-troughs shown by both magma types, a K-rich phase such as phlogopite is thought to be residual in their sources; however, the anomalous K-enrichment in the Terskii Coast kimberlites may indicate that an additional metasomatic K-rich phase (e.g. K-richterite and/or a complex K-Ba-phosphate) existed in the kimberlite source. The P-depletion in the melilitites may suggest that a phosphate phase such as apatite remained residual in the melilititic source. However, anomalous P-enrichment in the kimberlites cannot be explained by complete melting of the same phase because the kimberlites are a smaller degree melt; thus, it is most likely that another metasomatic phosphate mineral existed in the source of the kimberlites. The Kola kimberlites and melilitites are all strongly LREE-enriched but the kimberlites have a steeper REE pattern and are significantly more depleted in HREE, indicating a higher proportion of garnet in their source. Higher Nb/Y ratios and lower SiO₂ values in the kimberlites indicate that they were a smaller degree partial melt than the melilitites. The presence of diamonds in the Terskii Coast kimberlites indicates a relatively deep origin, while the melilitites originated from shallower depth. The non-diamondiferous Kandalaksha monticellite kimberlite has lower abundances of all incompatible trace elements, suggesting a higher degree of partial melting and/or a less enriched and shallower source than the Terskii Coast kimberlites. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i and Pb isotope compositions confirm that the Terskii Coast kimberlites have close affinities with group 1 kimberlites and were derived from an asthenospheric mantle source, while the Kandalaksha monticellite kimberlite and Terskii Coast melilitites were derived from lithospheric mantle. Impact of a Devonian asthenospheric mantle plume on the base of the Archaean-Proterozoic lithosphere of the Kola Peninsula caused widespread emplacement of kimberlites, melilitites, ultramafic lamprophyres and other more fractionated alkaline magmas. The nature of the mantle affected by metasomatism associated with the plume and, in particular, the depth of melting and the stability of the metasomatic phases, gave rise to the observed differences between kimberlites and the related melilitites and other magmas. Received: 3 March 1997 / Accepted: 7 October 1997     

Phlogopite in mantle xenoliths and kimberlite from the Grib pipe,Arkhangelsk province,Russia:Evidence for multi-stage mantle metasomatism and origin of phlogopite in kimberlite

We present petrography and mineral chemistry for both phlogopite,from mantle-derived xenoliths(garnet peridotite,eclogite and clinopyroxene-phlogopite rocks)and for megacryst,macrocryst and groundmass flakes from the Grib kimberlite in the Arkhangelsk diamond province of Russia to provide new insights into multi-stage metasomatism in the subcratonic lithospheric mantle(SCLM)and the origin of phlogopite in kimberlite.Based on the analysed xenoliths,phlogopite is characterized by several generations.The first generation(Phil)occurs as coarse,discrete grains within garnet peridotite and eclogite xenoliths and as a rock-forming mineral within clinopyroxene-phlogopite xenoliths.The second phlogopite generation(Phl2)occurs as rims and outer zones that surround the Phil grains and as fine flakes within kimberlite-related veinlets filled with carbonate,serpentine,chlorite and spinel.In garnet peridotite xenoliths,phlogopite occurs as overgrowths surrounding garnet porphyroblasts,within which phlogopite is associated with Cr-spinel and minor carbonate.In eclogite xenoliths,phlogopite occasionally associates with carbonate bearing veinlet networks.Phlogopite,from the kimberlite,occurs as megacrysts,macrocrysts,microcrysts and fine flakes in the groundmass and matrix of kimberlitic pyroclasts.Most phlogopite grains within the kimberlite are characterised by signs of deformation and form partly fragmented grains,which indicates that they are the disintegrated fragments of previously larger grains.Phil,within the garnet peridotite and clinopyroxene-phlogopite xenoliths,is characterised by low Ti and Cr contents(TiO_21 wt.%,Cr_2 O_31 wt.% and Mg# = 100 × Mg/(Mg+ Fe)92)typical of primary peridotite phlogopite in mantle peridotite xenoliths from global kimberlite occurrences.They formed during SCLM metasomatism that led to a transformation from garnet peridotite to clinopyroxene-phlogopite rocks and the crystallisation of phlogopite and high-Cr clinopyroxene megacrysts before the generation of host-kimberlite magmas.One of the possible processes to generate low-Ti-Cr phlogopite is via the replacement of garnet during its interaction with a metasomatic agent enriched in K and H_2O.Rb-Sr isotopic data indicates that the metasomatic agent had a contribution of more radiogenic source than the host-kimberlite magma.Compared with peridotite xenoliths,eclogite xenoliths feature low-Ti phlogopites that are depleted in Cr_2O_3 despite a wider range of TiO_2 concentrations.The presence of phlogopite in eclogite xenoliths indicates that metasomatic processes affected peridotite as well as eclogite within the SCLM beneath the Grib kimberlite.Phl2 has high Ti and Cr concentrations(TiO_22 wt.%,Cr_2O_31 wt.% and Mg# = 100× Mg/(Mg + Fe)92)and compositionally overlaps with phlogopite from polymict brecc:ia xenoliths that occur in global kimberlite formations.These phlogopites are the product of kimberlitic magma and mantle rock interaction at mantle depths where Phl2 overgrew Phil grains or crystallized directly from stalled batches of kimberlitic magmas.Megacrysts,most macrocrysts and microcrysts are disintegrated phlogopite fragments from metasomatised peridotite and eclogite xenoliths.Fine phlogopite flakes within kimberlite groundmass represent mixing of high-Ti-Cr phlogopite antecrysts and high-Ti and low-Cr kimberlitic phlogopite with high Al and Ba contents that may have formed individual grains or overgrown antecrysts.Based on the results of this study,we propose a schematic model of SCLM metasomatism involving phlogopite crystallization,megacryst formation,and genesis of kimberlite magmas as recorded by the Grib pipe.     

Cr-rich megacrysts of clinopyroxene and garnet from Lac de Gras kimberlites,Slave Craton,Canada – implications for the origin of clinopyroxene and garnet in cratonic lherzolites

Kimberlites from the Diavik and Ekati diamond mines in the Lac de Gras kimberlite field contain abundant large (>1 cm) clinopyroxene (Cr-diopside) and garnet (Cr-pyrope) crystals. We present the first extensive mineral chemical dataset for these megacrysts from Diavik and Ekati and compare their compositions to cratonic peridotites and megacrysts from the Slave and other cratons. The Diavik and Ekati Cr-diopside and Cr-pyrope megacrysts are interpreted to belong to the Cr-rich megacryst suite. Evidence for textural, compositional, and isotopic disequilibrium suggests that they constitute xenocrysts in their host kimberlites. Nevertheless, their formation may be linked to extensive kimberlite magmatism and accompanying mantle metasomatism preceding the eruption of their host kimberlites. It is proposed that the formation of megacrysts may be linked to failed kimberlites. In this scheme, the Cr-rich megacrysts are formed by progressive interaction of percolating melts with the surrounding depleted mantle (originally harzburgite). As these melts percolate outwards, they may contribute to the introduction of clinopyroxene and garnet into the depleted mantle, thereby forming lherzolite. This model hinges on the observation that lherzolitic clinopyroxenes and garnets at Lac de Gras have compositions that are strikingly similar to those of the Cr-rich megacrysts, in terms of major and trace elements, as well as Sr isotopes. As such, the Cr-rich megacrysts may have implications for the origin of clinopyroxene and garnet in cratonic lherzolites worldwide.

     

Eolian indicator mineral dispersion haloes from the Orapa kimberlite cluster,Botswana

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the structure of eolian kimberlite indicator minerals (KIMs) haloes present within Quaternary Kalahari Group sediments (up to 20 m thick) overlying the Late Cretaceous kimberlites in the Orapa field in North-East Botswana. A database of more than 8000 samples shows that kimberlites create a general mineralogical blanket of KIMs of various distances of transportation from primary sources in the Orapa area. Models of the reflection and dispersion patterns of KIMs derived from kimberlite pipes including AK10/ AK22/AK23 have been revealed based on 200 selected heavy mineral samples collected during diamond prospecting activities in Botswana from 2014 to 2017. Short distance eolian haloes situated close to kimberlite bodies cover gentle slopes within plains up to 500 × 1000 m in size. They have regularly have oval or conical shapes and are characterized by the presence mainly of unabraded or only slightly abraded KIMs. A sharp reduction of their concentration from hundreds and thousands of grains / 20 l immediately above kimberlites toto 10 grains/20 l at a distance of only 100–200 m from the pipes is a standard feature of these haloes. The variation of concentration, morphology and abrasion of specific KIMs with increasing distance from the primary sources has been investigated and presented herein. Sample volumes recommended for pipes present within a similar setting as those studied, with different depth of sedimentary cover are as follows: up to 10–20 m cover at 20–50 l, 20–30 m cover at 50–100 l and 30–80 m cover at 250 l. It is important to appreciate that the discovery of even single grains of unabraded or slightly abraded KIMs in eolian haloes are of high prospecting significance in this area. The results of the research can be applied to in diamond prospecting programs in various regions with similar environments.

     

Kimberlites of the Daldyn-Alakit region (Yakutia): Spatial distribution of the rocks with different chemical characteristics

New petrogeochemical data on a collection of 138 samples taken from 101 kimberlite bodies of the Alakit region of Yakutia have been interpreted. It was concluded that all studied kimberlites are homogenous in geochemical composition and comparable with Group I kimberlites of South Africa. Based on cluster analysis, kimberlites of the region are subdivided into six clusters. From the first to sixth clusters, kimberlites show a decrease in carbonate material and increase in magnesian component. The spatial distribution of clusters allowed us to distinguish zoned areas with central parts consisting of kimberlites with elevated CaO, CO₂, Rb, Sr, Ba, and lowered contents of SiO₂, TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, FeO, MgO, V, Cr, and Ni. From the center outward, the values of δ_Nd and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i decrease, which indicate increasing contribution of the lithospheric source. The formation of magnesian kimberlites at the periphery was related to the intense interaction of protokimberlite melt with lithospheric mantle, which was accompanied by metasomatic reworking of mantle rocks with formation of minerals of megacryst assemblage and assimilation of mantle material. Economically viable diamondiferous kimberlites are confined to the peripheral parts of distinguished zones, i.e., to the kimberlites of 5–6 clusters.     

Melt inclusions in olivine phenocrysts in unaltered kimberlites from the Udachnaya-East pipe,Yakutia: Some aspects of kimberlite magma evolution during late crystallization stages

The results of a complex study of melt inclusions in olivine phenocrysts contained in unaltered kimberlites from the Udachnaya-East pipe indicate that the inclusions were captured late during the magmatic stage, perhaps, under a pressure of <1 kbar and a temperature of ≤800°C. The inclusions consist of fine crystalline aggregates (carbonates + sulfates + chlorides) + gas ± crystalline phases. Minerals identified among the transparent daughter phases of the inclusions are silicates (tetraferriphlogopite, olivine, humite or clinohumite, diopside, and monticellite), carbonates (calcite, dolomite, siderite, northupite, and Na-Ca carbonates), Na and K chlorides, and alkali sulfates. The ore phases are magnetite, djerfisherite, and monosulfide solid solution. The inclusions are derivatives of the kimberlite melt. The complex silicate-carbonate-salt composition of the secondary melt inclusions in olivine from the kimberlite suggests that the composition of the kimberlite melt near the surface differed from that of the initial melt composition in having higher contents of CaO, FeO, alkalis, and volatiles (CO₂, H₂O, F, Cl, and S) at lower concentrations of SiO₂, MgO, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, and TiO₂. Hence, when crystallizing, the kimberlite melt evolved toward carbonatite compositions. The last derivatives of the kimberlite melt had an alkaline carbonatite composition.     

Isotope-geochemical systematics of kimberlites and related rocks from the Siberian Platform

Using the ICP-MS method we have studied the isotope systematics of Sr and Nd as well as trace element composition of a representative collection of kimberlites and related rocks from the Siberian Platform. The summarized literature and our own data suggest that the kimberlites developed within the platform can be divided into several petrochemical and geochemical types, whose origin is related to different mantle sources. The petrochemical classification of kimberlites is based on persistent differences of their composition in mg# and in contents of indicator oxides such as FeO_tot, TiO₂, and K₂O. The recognized geochemical types of kimberlites differ from one another in the level of concentration of incompatible elements as well as in their ratios.Most of isotope characteristics of kimberlites and related rocks of the Siberian Platform correspond to the earlier studied Type 1 basaltoid kimberlites from different provinces of the world: Points of isotopic compositions are in the field of primitive and weakly depleted mantle. An exception is one sample of the rocks from veins of the Ingashi field (Sayan area), which is characterized by the Sr and Nd isotopic composition corresponding to Type 2 micaceous kimberlites (orangeites).The most important feature of distribution of isotopic and trace-element compositions (incompatible elements) is their independence of the chemical rock composition. It is shown that the kimberlite formation is connected with, at least, two independent sources, fluid and melt, responsible for the trace-element and chemical compositions of the rock. It is supposed that, when rising through the heterogeneous lithosphere of the mantle, a powerful flow of an asthenosphere-derived fluid provoked the formation of local kimberlite chambers there. Thus, the partial melting of the lithosphere mantle led to the formation of contrasting petrochemical types of kimberlites, while the geochemical specialization of kimberlites is due to the mantle fluid of asthenosphere origin, which drastically dominated in the rare-metal balance of a hybrid magma of the chamber.     

Major element composition of concentrate garnets in Proterozoic kimberlites from the Eastern Dharwar Craton,India: Implications on sub-continental lithospheric mantle

This study examines the major element composition of mantle-derived garnets recovered from heavy mineral concentrates of several Proterozoic kimberlites of the diamondiferous Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) and the almost barren Narayanpet Kimberlite Field (NKF) in the Eastern Dharwar Craton of southern India. Concentrate garnets are abundant in the WKF kimberlites, and notably rare in the NKF kimberlites. Chemical characteristics of the pyropes indicate that the lithology of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath both the kimberlite fields was mainly lherzolitic at the time of kimberlite eruption. A subset of green pyropes from the WKF is marked by high CaO and Cr₂O₃ contents, which imply contribution from a wehrlitic source. The lithological information on SCLM, when studied alongside geobarometry of lherzolite and harzburgite xenoliths, indicates that there are thin layers of harzburgite within a dominantly lherzolitic mantle in the depth interval of 115–190 km beneath the WKF. In addition, wehrlite and olivine clinopyroxenite occur locally in the depth range of 120–130 km. Mantle geotherm derived from xenoliths constrains the depth of graphite–diamond transition to 155 km beneath the kimberlite fields. Diamond in the WKF thus could have been derived from both lherzolitic and harzburgitic lithologies below this depth. The rarity of diamond and garnet xenocrysts in the NKF strongly suggest sampling of shallower (<155 km depth) mantle, and possibly a shallower source of kimberlite magma than at the WKF.     

Fast kimberlite ascent rates estimated from hydrogen diffusion profiles in xenolithic mantle olivines from southern Africa

Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analyses of olivines from peridotite xenoliths found in southern African kimberlites indicate 0 to 80 ppm H₂O concentrations. OH absorbance profiles across olivine grains show homogeneous H contents from core to edge for most samples. In one sample the olivines are H-free, while another has olivines characterized by lower H contents at the grain edges compared to the cores, indicating H loss during transport of the xenolith to the surface. Flat or near-flat H profiles place severe constraints on the duration of H loss from olivine grains, with implications for kimberlite magma ascent rates. Diffusion equations were used to estimate times of H loss of about 4 h for the sample with heterogeneous olivine H contents. Resulting kimberlite ascent rates are calculated to be 5-37 m s⁻¹ minimum, although these estimates are highly dependent on volatile contents and degassing behavior of the host kimberlite magma. Xenolithic olivines from alkali basalts generally have lower H contents and more pronounced H diffusion profiles than do those from kimberlites. This difference is likely caused by higher magma temperatures and lower ascent rates of alkali basalts compared to kimberlites.     

Geology and resource development of the Kelvin kimberlite pipe,Northwest Territories,Canada

The early Cambrian to late Neoproterozoic Kelvin kimberlite pipe is located in the southeast of the Archean Slave Craton in northern Canada, eight km northeast of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine. Kelvin was first discovered in 2000 by De Beers Canada. Subsequent exploration undertaken by Kennady Diamonds Inc. between 2012 and 2016 resulted in the discovery of significant thicknesses of volcaniclastic kimberlite that had not previously been observed. Through extensive delineation drilling Kelvin has been shown to present an atypical, steep-sided inclined L-shaped pipe-like morphology with an overall dip of 15 to 20°. With a surface expression of only 0.08 ha Kelvin dips towards the northwest before turning north. The body (which remains open at depth) has been constrained to a current overall strike length of 700 m with varying vertical thickness (70 to 200 m) and width (30 to 70 m). Detailed core logging, petrography and microdiamond analysis have shown that the pipe infill comprises several phases of sub-horizontally oriented kimberlite (KIMB1, KIMB2, KIMB3, KIMB4, KIMB7 and KIMB8) resulting from multiple emplacement events. The pipe infill is dominated by Kimberley-type pyroclastic kimberlite or “KPK”, historically referred to as tuffisitic kimberlite breccia or “TKB”, with less common hypabyssal kimberlite (HK) and minor units with textures transitional between these end-members. An extensive HK sheet complex surrounds the pipe. The emplacement of Kelvin is believed to have been initiated by intrusion of this early sheet system. The main pipe-forming event and formation of the dominant KPK pipe infill, KIMB3, was followed by late stage emplacement of additional minor KPK and a hypabyssal to transitional-textured phase along the upper contact of the pipe, cross-cutting the underlying KIMB3. Rb-Sr age dating of phlogopite from a late stage phase has established model ages of 531 ± 8 Ma and 546 ± 8 Ma. Texturally and mineralogically, the Kelvin kimberlite is similar to other KPK systems such as the Gahcho Kué kimberlites and many southern African kimberlites; however, the external morphology, specifically the sub-horizontal inclination of the pipe, is unique. The morphology of Kelvin and the other kimberlites in the Kelvin-Faraday cluster defines a new type of exploration target, one that is likely not unique to the Kennady North Project area. Extensive evaluation work by Kennady Diamonds Inc. has resulted in definition of a maiden Indicated Mineral Resource for Kelvin of 8.5 million tonnes (Mt) of kimberlite at an average grade of 1.6 carats per tonne (cpt) with an average diamond value of US$ 63 per carat (ct).

     

贵州镇远马坪金伯利岩及其捕虏晶对金刚石成矿条件的指示意义

贵州镇远是中国金刚石原生矿找矿的重点区域之一。镇远地区马坪D1号岩体是1965年中国首次发现的含原生金刚石金伯利岩。该岩体岩石具典型的金伯利岩结构和组成特征,其中的锆石捕虏晶U–Pb年代学和Hf同位素分析结果表明,该地区存在未暴露的太古宙基底物质残余。基于壳幔耦合性规律,可能对应有古老的岩石圈地幔,这种古老的克拉通属性是金刚石形成的有利因素。但另一方面,马坪金伯利岩普遍含有伴生矿物含铬镁铝榴石,其CaO含量较高,多数属于G9(二辉橄榄岩)类型,不是全球富含金刚石的方辉橄榄岩原岩类型(G10),暗示当时的岩石圈发生了部分改造而可能不利于高品质金刚石的形成。需要注意的是,在金刚石找矿过程中,应该以详细的野外工作与岩石学对比研究为基础,同时依赖于金伯利岩及其相关的岩浆活动所携带的捕虏体/捕虏晶的研究,配合以岩浆成分来反演地幔源区特征,才能较全面地揭示古老大陆岩石圈的形成年龄与演化历史、物质组成与精细结构,以及大陆岩石圈根的厚度、热状态、氧逸度、流体作用等,进而为寻找金刚石提供重要的依据。     

Zoning of Faults and Secondary Mineralization of Host Rocks of Kimberlites of the Maiskoe Diamond Deposit,Nakyn Field,Yakutia

Study of faults and secondary mineralization of host rocks of diamond-bearing kimberlites yields important data for local prediction of kimberlite bodies. Of special methodological interest are exploration data on deposits where the study of host rocks is based on a dense observation network. Factual material for this paper was collected from cores of all inclined exploration boreholes of the Maiskoe diamond deposit found in the Nakyn field in Yakutia in 2006. The paper shows a nonuniform distribution of tectonic deformations, stringer mineralization, O and C isotopes of calcite, and CO₂ content of Lower Paleozoic host carbonate rocks of kimberlites. Our data agree with different diamond potentials of two areas of the Maiskoe kimberlite body, which can be used to search for and explore deposits.