Editing Kimberlite (section)

=== 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>