Perplexing diamonds from South Africa mine contain 'almost impossible' chemistry
4 hours ago
- #diamonds
- #mantle
- #geology
- Two diamonds from deep in Earth's mantle contain unusual inclusions of both oxidized carbonate minerals and reduced nickel alloys.
- These inclusions provide a unique snapshot of mantle chemistry and diamond formation processes.
- The diamonds were found in a South African mine and originate from 280 to 470 km below Earth's surface.
- The coexistence of oxidized and reduced materials in the diamonds was initially thought to be impossible.
- The findings suggest that oxidized rocks exist deeper in the mantle than previously believed, potentially affecting theories about kimberlite origins.
- Diamond formation may occur when carbonate fluids are subducted and react with mantle metal alloys.
- Nickel-rich inclusions might explain why some diamonds have nickel atoms replacing carbon in their crystal lattice.