Diamonds Flashcards
What is the global reserve of diamonds?
1.2 billion carats
What is a carat in g?
0.2g
Diamond is one of the _____ substnaces in the world
Hardest
What carbon compound is diamond?
Carbon tetrahedral
What % of mined diamonds are used for industrial purposes?
50%
How are diamonds obtained?
Diamonds were formed in the mantle and delivered to the surface by deep-source volcanic eruptions
Produce kimberlite and lampriote pipes
Open-pit and underground mines are developed in the pipes
Historically, where were diamonds produced?
Angola
South Africa
Zimbabwe
More recently where have diamonds been produced?
Brazil
Canada
Australia
What is de beers?
A central selling organisation based in London
A cartel
Represented over 80% og global trade
The most successful organisation that controlled supply and demand
What is kimberlite?
Magnesium rich melts that don’t fractionate
Kimberlite pipes dominate diamond geology
Why must magma ascend rapidly for diamond formation?
To avoid conversion to graphite
