Scientists Discover Exact Source of Diamond-bearing Rock

The University of Australia reported that a team of scientists has for the first time established the exact source of diamond-bearing rock. The rock, which is called orangeite, is common in South Africa, but information uncovered by the scientists shows that it may “be present in much higher abundance worldwide, including in Australia.”

As quoted in the press release:

While rough on the outside, orangeites contain not only treasured diamonds but also tiny fragments of mantle and crustal rocks.  By using highly sophisticated geochemical and isotopic analytical techniques, the scientists were able to link those fragments to the source of the orangeites, deep in the interior of the planet.

The work was carried out by Associate Professor Marco Fiorentini from UWA’s Centre for Exploration Targeting and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems, and colleagues from a team of Australian universities.

Professor Fiorentini commented:

We found strong evidence that orangeites are sourced from MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) mantle, which up until recently had only been recognised in South Africa. However, ongoing studies suggest that MARID mantle may occur in other continents, including here in Australia.

Click here to read the full release from the University of Australia.
Click here to view the study in the journal “Nature Communications.”