KIMBERLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Kimberlite is a type of igneous rock that is primarily composed of rocks and minerals such as olivine, serpentine, and pyroxene. It is notable for its association with the presence of diamonds and plays a crucial role in diamond exploration and mining. Kimberlite is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and is derived from the melt of the Earth's upper mantle, usually at depths of around 150 to 450 kilometers.
The texture of kimberlite is typically coarse-grained, and it often exhibits a bluish-gray or greenish-gray color. It is known for its characteristic rapid eruption rate, which contributes to its ability to carry diamonds to the Earth's surface. The presence of diamonds in kimberlite is attributed to the high pressure and temperature conditions in which they form.
Kimberlite pipes or volcanic necks are the conduits through which kimberlite is transported to the surface. These formations are the result of explosive volcanic activity, and they often extend deep underground while widening as they approach the surface.
Due to the association between kimberlite and diamonds, the identification and analysis of kimberlite occurrences are vital in diamond exploration. Geologists and diamond miners extensively study kimberlite to assess the potential for commercial diamond extraction. Additionally, the study of kimberlite aids in the understanding of Earth's geological processes and the formation of precious minerals.
Common Misspellings for KIMBERLITE
- jimberlite
- mimberlite
- limberlite
- oimberlite
- iimberlite
- kumberlite
- kjmberlite
- kkmberlite
- komberlite
- k9mberlite
- k8mberlite
- kinberlite
- kikberlite
- kijberlite
- kimverlite
- kimnerlite
- kimherlite
- kimgerlite
- kimbwrlite
Etymology of KIMBERLITE
The word "kimberlite" is derived from the name of the town Kimberley in South Africa, where this type of rock was first discovered. Kimberlite is a rare type of volcanic rock that is known for containing diamonds and other valuable minerals. It was first identified in the 19th century in the Kimberley region, a major diamond mining area. The term "kimberlite" was coined to refer to this specific type of rock.
Similar spelling words for KIMBERLITE
- Kimberlee,
- kimbrel,
- Kimberly,
- Kimberli,
- kimbrell,
- Kimbery,
- kimberley,
- Kimberlin,
- Kimberlie,
- kimberling,
- Kimberely.
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