Editing Kimberlite (section)

== Exploration techniques ==
Kimberlite exploration techniques encompass a multifaceted approach that integrates geological, geochemical, and geophysical methodologies to locate and evaluate potential diamond-bearing deposits.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Kjarsgaard |first1=Bruce A. |last2=Januszczak |first2=Nicole |last3=Stiefenhofer |first3=Johann |date=2019-12-01 |title=Diamond Exploration and Resource Evaluation of Kimberlites |url=https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.15.6.411 |journal=Elements |volume=15 |issue=6 |pages=411–416 |doi=10.2138/gselements.15.6.411 |bibcode=2019Eleme..15..411K |issn=1811-5217}}</ref>

=== Indicator minerals sampling ===
Exploration techniques for kimberlites primarily hinge on the identification and analysis of indicator minerals associated with the presence of kimberlite pipes and their potential diamond content. Sediment sampling is a fundamental approach, where kimberlite indicator minerals (KIMs) are dispersed across landscapes due to geological processes like uplift, erosion, and glaciations. Loaming and alluvial sampling are utilized in different terrains to recover KIMs from soils and stream deposits, respectively. Understanding paleodrainage patterns and geological cover layers aids in tracing KIMs back to their source kimberlite pipes. In glaciated regions, techniques such as [[esker]] sampling, [[till]] sampling, and alluvial sampling are employed to recover KIMs buried beneath thick glacial deposits. Once collected, heavy minerals are separated and sorted by hand to identify these indicators. Chemical analysis confirms their identity and categorizes them. Techniques like [[Geothermobarometry|thermobarometry]] help understand the conditions under which these minerals formed and where they came from in the Earth's mantle. By analyzing these indicators and geological curves, scientists can estimate the likelihood of finding diamonds in a kimberlite pipe. These methods help prioritize where to drill in the search for valuable diamond deposits.<ref>H.O. Cookenboo, H.S. Grütter; Mantle-derived indicator mineral compositions as applied to diamond exploration. ''Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis'' 2010;; 10 (1): 81–95.</ref><ref>McClenaghan, B., Peuraniemi, V. and Lehtonen, M. 2011. Indicator mineral methods in mineral exploration. Workshop in the 25th International Applied Geochemistry Symposium 2011, 22–26 August 2011 Rovaniemi, Finland. Vuorimiesyhdistys, B92-4, 72 pages.</ref>

=== Geophysical methods ===
Geophysical methods are particularly useful in areas where direct detection of kimberlites is challenging due to significant [[overburden]] or weathering. These methods leverage physical property contrasts between kimberlite bodies and their surrounding host rocks, enabling the detection of subtle anomalies indicative of potential kimberlite deposits. Airborne and ground surveys, including magnetics, electromagnetics, and gravity surveys, are commonly employed to acquire geophysical data over large areas efficiently. Magnetic surveys detect variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by magnetic minerals within kimberlites, which typically exhibit distinct magnetic signatures compared to surrounding rocks. Electromagnetic surveys measure variations in electrical conductivity, with conductive kimberlite bodies producing anomalous responses. Gravity surveys detect variations in gravitational attraction caused by differences in density between kimberlite and surrounding rocks. By analyzing and interpreting these geophysical anomalies, geologists can delineate potential kimberlite targets for further investigation, such as drilling. However, the interpretation of geophysical data requires careful consideration of geological context and potential masking effects from surrounding geology, highlighting the importance of integrating geophysical results with other exploration techniques for accurate targeting and successful diamond discoveries.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Soloveichik |first1=Yury G. |last2=Persova |first2=Marina G. |last3=Sivenkova |first3=Anastasia P. |last4=Kiselev |first4=Dmitry S. |last5=Simon |first5=Evgenia I. |last6=Leonovich |first6=Daryana A. |chapter=Comparative Analysis of Airborne Electrical Prospecting Technologies Using Helicopter Platforms and UAVs when Searching for Kimberlite Pipes |date=2023-11-10 |title=2023 IEEE XVI International Scientific and Technical Conference Actual Problems of Electronic Instrument Engineering (APEIE) |chapter-url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10347567 |publisher=IEEE |pages=1–4 |doi=10.1109/APEIE59731.2023.10347567 |isbn=979-8-3503-3088-5}}</ref>

=== 3-D modeling ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:BK16-Fig3.jpg|thumb|Kimberlite pipe 3D model]] -->
Three-dimensional (3D) modeling offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the internal structure and distribution of key geological features within potential diamond-bearing deposits. This process begins with the collection and integration of various datasets, including drill-hole data, ground geophysical surveys, and geological mapping information. These datasets are then integrated into a cohesive digital platform, often utilizing specialized software packages tailored for geological modeling. Through advanced visualization techniques, geologists can create detailed 3D representations of the subsurface geology, highlighting the distribution and geometry of kimberlite bodies alongside other significant geological features such as faults, fractures, and lithological boundaries. Within the model, efforts are made to accurately depict the internal phases of kimberlite pipes, incorporating different [[facies]], country rock xenoliths, and mantle xenoliths identified through careful interpretation of drill-core data and geophysical surveys. Once validated, the 3D model serves as a valuable decision-making tool, offering insights into potential diamond-bearing potential, identifying high-priority drilling targets, and guiding exploration strategies to maximize the chances of successful diamond discoveries.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lépine |first1=Isabelle |last2=Farrow |first2=Darrell |date=2018-12-01 |title=3D geological modelling of the Renard 2 kimberlite pipe, Québec, Canada: from exploration to extraction |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00710-018-0567-x |journal=Mineralogy and Petrology |language=en |volume=112 |issue=2 |pages=411–419 |doi=10.1007/s00710-018-0567-x |bibcode=2018MinPe.112..411L |issn=1438-1168}}</ref><ref>{{Cite conference |last1=Hetman |first1=C. M. |last2=Diering |first2=M. D. |last3=Barnett |first3=W. |chapter=Generation of 3D kimberlite pipe models for resource classification and mine planning: Data sources, procedures, and guidelines |date=2017-09-18 |title=International Kimberlite Conference Extended Abstracts: 2017 |chapter-url=https://ikcabstracts.com/index.php/ikc/article/view/4005 |language=en |volume=11 |doi=10.29173/ikc4005|isbn=978-1-55195-425-7 }}</ref>