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What is a kimberlite pipe?

Quick Answer

A kimberlite pipe is a carrot-shaped volcanic conduit that brought diamond-bearing rock up from deep in the mantle.

The Full Story

Kimberlite pipes form when explosive eruptions force magma rapidly upward through the crust, often carrying mantle material and sometimes diamonds. Because diamonds form at high pressure deep underground, kimberlite is one of the main natural paths that can deliver them to the surface. The rock was named after Kimberley, South Africa, where diamond mining became famous in the 19th century. Not every kimberlite pipe contains diamonds, but the rare ones that do are economically important.

Key Facts

1.Named after Kimberley, South Africa
2.Diamonds form under very high pressure deep in the mantle
3.Kimberlite eruptions are usually explosive and fast

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"The volcanic pipes that carry diamonds to daylight"

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