![]() To shed light on the exact mechanisms, the team developed geological model simulations that provided a plausible picture of the processes. This suggested an association with specific processes occurring at rift zones. They combined radiometric dating results with tectonic reconstructions, revealing that kimberlites formed over the past billion years typically erupted about 30 million years after the breakup of continental plates in the corresponding regions. To gather new insights, the researchers analyzed the global correlation between the occurrence of kimberlites and the history of tectonic plate movements on Earth. However, until now, we didn’t know the process that suddenly brings diamonds to the Earth’s surface after resting 150 kilometers deep for millions or billions of years,“ says Gernon. „The pattern of diamond eruptions is cyclic and follows the rhythm of supercontinents forming and breaking apart over hundreds of millions of years. To investigate the geological processes leading to mobilization and kimberlite eruptions, the team led by Thomas Gernon from the University of Southampton delved into the matter. It was evident that these processes were somehow linked to the restructuring of the Earth’s tectonic plates. However, previous models couldn’t fully explain the origin of kimberlite melts deep within the Earth. ![]() The remains of these cooled volcanoes formed the deposits where raw diamonds are found today, typically embedded in a material known as kimberlite, named after the South African diamond-rich location, Kimberley. The process of how they reached the Earth’s surface was roughly understood: diamond-bearing rocks melted due to geological processes, rose through fissures, and eventually surfaced during volcanic eruptions. Over millions of years, diamonds were „baked“ in this extreme environment. Naturally, their highly compact crystal structure can only form under immense pressure and heat in the Earth’s mantle, conditions found at depths over 150 kilometers. Through geological clues and model simulations, researchers revealed how the breakup of tectonic plates led to volcanic eruptions that brought these „treasure-rich“ materials within our reach.ĭiamonds are made of ordinary carbon, but what sets them apart from materials like coal is their purity and consistency. A recent study sheds light on how these precious gems made their way to the surface. Once formed over 150 kilometers deep within the Earth’s mantle, diamonds now glitter on many a ring finger.
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