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Diamond genesis — A synthesis of opposing views

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Abstract

Estimates of the pressure and temperature in the region of kimberlite magma generation are compatible with the formation of diamond in its own thermodynamic stability field as deduced from high pressure experimental synthesis of diamond. However, if diamond growth is allowed only within its stability field, preservation during ascent of kimberlite magma and many properties of diamond distribution in kimberlite pipes as well as some of the geochemical properties of diamond are very difficult to explain. Metastable diamond growth in the laboratory is well established and its occurrence in natural systems is proposed. A theory of genesis with synthesis of diamond seed nucleii in kimberlite magma at depth in the mantle and with continued metastable growth during ascent and in kimberlite magma pools at the base of the crust is proposed. Eruption of kimberlite pipes to the surface terminates diamond growth.

Résumé

Les estimations de la pression et de la température dans la région de formation du magma kimberlitique sont compatibles avec la formation du diamant dans son propre domaine de stabilité thermodynamique comme déduit des données obtenues par la synthèse du diamant à haute pression. Néanmoins, en admettant la croissance du diamant seulement dans son propre domaine de stabilité, il est très difficile d'expliquer sa preservation pendant l'ascension du magma kimberlitique, beaucoup de ses caractéristiques de répartition dans les pipes kimberlitiques ainsi que certaines propriétés géochimiques. L'évolution du diamant métastable en laboratoire est bien connue et nous suggérons donc l'existence de cet état dans les systèmes naturels. On propose une théorie envisageant la formation du diamant en partant d'une synthèse de noyaux de germes de diamant dans le magma kimberlitique à profondeur dans le manteau suivie d'une évolution métastable continuelle pendant l'ascension de ce magma kimberlitique et dans les chambres magmatiques à la base de la croûte terrestre. L'éruption des pipes kimberlitiques à la surface termine la croissance du diamant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Geology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    R. H. Mitchell

  2. Dept. of Geology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    J. H. Crocket

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  1. R. H. Mitchell
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Mitchell, R.H., Crocket, J.H. Diamond genesis — A synthesis of opposing views. Mineral. Deposita 6, 392–403 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00201895

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