Which statement about lamproite relative to kimberlite is true?

Which statement about lamproite relative to kimberlite is true?

• A. Lamproite is more common than kimberlite
• B. Lamproite is rarer than kimberlite, but both transport diamonds to the surface
• C. Lamproite does not transport diamonds
• D. Kimberlite is rarer than lamproite

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how common lamproite is compared with kimberlite and whether each can bring diamonds to the surface. Kimberlites are the dominant carriers of diamonds and occur more widely around the world, so they’re more common. Lamproites, while able to carry diamonds, are far rarer. There are diamond-bearing lamproites known (such as Argyle), but they are much less common than diamond-bearing kimberlites. So the statement that lamproite is rarer than kimberlite, yet both can transport diamonds to the surface, best captures these facts. The other options fail because lamproite is not more common, lamproite can transport diamonds, and kimberlites are not rarer than lamproites.

The main idea here is how common lamproite is compared with kimberlite and whether each can bring diamonds to the surface. Kimberlites are the dominant carriers of diamonds and occur more widely around the world, so they’re more common. Lamproites, while able to carry diamonds, are far rarer. There are diamond-bearing lamproites known (such as Argyle), but they are much less common than diamond-bearing kimberlites. So the statement that lamproite is rarer than kimberlite, yet both can transport diamonds to the surface, best captures these facts. The other options fail because lamproite is not more common, lamproite can transport diamonds, and kimberlites are not rarer than lamproites.