Which term describes a rock that transports diamonds to the surface and is rarer than kimberlite?

Study for the Diamond and Diamond Grading Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with explanations and insights. Get ready to excel in your diamond grading journey!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a rock that transports diamonds to the surface and is rarer than kimberlite?

Explanation:
Diamonds are carried to the surface by deep-origin volcanic rocks that erupt rapidly and host cargo of diamonds as they ascend. Kimberlite is the classic carrier because it forms deep in the mantle and brings diamonds up in fast, volatile-rich eruptions. Lamproite is another diamond-bearing rock, but it’s much rarer than kimberlite. Its distinct, potassium-rich mineralogy and existence in notable but infrequent diamond-bearing pipes (like Argyle) illustrate a similar transport mechanism in geology, just far less commonly. So the term that describes a rock that transports diamonds to the surface and is rarer than kimberlite is lamproite.

Diamonds are carried to the surface by deep-origin volcanic rocks that erupt rapidly and host cargo of diamonds as they ascend. Kimberlite is the classic carrier because it forms deep in the mantle and brings diamonds up in fast, volatile-rich eruptions. Lamproite is another diamond-bearing rock, but it’s much rarer than kimberlite. Its distinct, potassium-rich mineralogy and existence in notable but infrequent diamond-bearing pipes (like Argyle) illustrate a similar transport mechanism in geology, just far less commonly. So the term that describes a rock that transports diamonds to the surface and is rarer than kimberlite is lamproite.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy