News
November 12, 2025
Why Do 70% of Diamonds Come From One Bizarre Type of Volcano?
A new study uncovers how volatile-rich magmas propel diamond-bearing kimberlites from Earth’s depths. If you’ve ever admired a diamond, chances are it originated from a kimberlite. More than 70% of all natural diamonds are extracted from these rare volcanic formations. Despite decades of research, scientists are still trying to unravel how kimberlites rise from deep [...]
Diamonds: How These Rare Volcanoes Deliver Earth's Treasures
Have you ever wondered about the incredible journey a diamond takes before it sparkles on someone's finger? A new study is shedding light on the fascinating, and somewhat bizarre, volcanic process responsible for bringing most of these precious gems to the Earth's surface. Believe it or not, a staggering 70% of the world's diamonds are sourced from a specific type of volcanic rock called kimberlite.
Kimberlites are far from your typical volcano. They aren't the towering, cone-shaped mountains that often come to mind. Instead, they are relatively small, carrot-shaped formations that originate from incredibly deep within the Earth's mantle, carrying with them the diamonds formed under immense pressure. The mystery surrounding these formations lies in understanding how these diamond-laden rocks manage to ascend so rapidly and violently from such depths.
Scientists have been studying kimberlites for decades, trying to unlock the secrets of their formation and eruption. The new study focuses on the role of volatile-rich magmas in propelling these kimberlites upwards. Volatiles, like water and carbon dioxide, are substances that easily vaporize. The presence of these volatiles within the magma significantly impacts the eruption dynamics. The research suggests that these volatile-rich magmas act as a powerful propellant, driving the kimberlite rapidly towards the surface.
The rapid ascent is crucial for preserving the diamonds. If the kimberlite were to rise slowly, the diamonds could be converted back into graphite, the common form of carbon found in pencils. The explosive nature of kimberlite eruptions, fueled by these volatiles, ensures that the diamonds reach the surface relatively intact.
Understanding the mechanisms behind kimberlite eruptions is not only crucial for the diamond industry but also provides valuable insights into the Earth's deep processes. These rare volcanic formations offer a unique window into the planet's mantle, providing clues about its composition, temperature, and dynamics. While the study sheds new light on the role of volatiles, the exact details of kimberlite formation remain an active area of research. The quest to fully understand these diamond-bearing volcanoes continues, promising more exciting discoveries about our planet's hidden depths.
Have you ever wondered about the incredible journey a diamond takes before it sparkles on someone's finger? A new study is shedding light on the fascinating, and somewhat bizarre, volcanic process responsible for bringing most of these precious gems to the Earth's surface. Believe it or not, a staggering 70% of the world's diamonds are sourced from a specific type of volcanic rock called kimberlite.
Kimberlites are far from your typical volcano. They aren't the towering, cone-shaped mountains that often come to mind. Instead, they are relatively small, carrot-shaped formations that originate from incredibly deep within the Earth's mantle, carrying with them the diamonds formed under immense pressure. The mystery surrounding these formations lies in understanding how these diamond-laden rocks manage to ascend so rapidly and violently from such depths.
Scientists have been studying kimberlites for decades, trying to unlock the secrets of their formation and eruption. The new study focuses on the role of volatile-rich magmas in propelling these kimberlites upwards. Volatiles, like water and carbon dioxide, are substances that easily vaporize. The presence of these volatiles within the magma significantly impacts the eruption dynamics. The research suggests that these volatile-rich magmas act as a powerful propellant, driving the kimberlite rapidly towards the surface.
The rapid ascent is crucial for preserving the diamonds. If the kimberlite were to rise slowly, the diamonds could be converted back into graphite, the common form of carbon found in pencils. The explosive nature of kimberlite eruptions, fueled by these volatiles, ensures that the diamonds reach the surface relatively intact.
Understanding the mechanisms behind kimberlite eruptions is not only crucial for the diamond industry but also provides valuable insights into the Earth's deep processes. These rare volcanic formations offer a unique window into the planet's mantle, providing clues about its composition, temperature, and dynamics. While the study sheds new light on the role of volatiles, the exact details of kimberlite formation remain an active area of research. The quest to fully understand these diamond-bearing volcanoes continues, promising more exciting discoveries about our planet's hidden depths.
Category:
Technology