Kimberlites

Kimberlites are complex, exotic mantle-derived igneous rocks. Knowing the composition, intensive variables (e.g. T,oxygen fugacity) and thermal history of these magmas has remained elusive but can shed light on their conditions of formation deep in the mantle, their emplacement as 'pipes', and perhaps help predict the likely presence or quality of diamonds in a pipe. We are studying some of the world's freshest kimberlites from the Lac de Gras region, NWT to estimate their primary composition, T, oxygen fugacity and emplacement history. This work involves experimental petrology integrated with observations from natural kimberlites in sampled in drillcore.

<< Mantle PetrologyMagma Redox >>