Antarctica could be hiding diamonds
Diamonds can be found on every continent in the world, including Antarctica. According to a study published in the Journal of Nature Communications, researchers have found kimberlite pipes in the chilly continent. These pipes are essential to moving diamonds from the earth's mantle up to its crust, where they can be mined.
Kimberlite pipes
The pipes are formed from subterranean volcanic eruptions caused by the rapid ascension of igneous rock to the surface of the earth. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the rock begins in the asthenosphere, forces its way through the lithosphere, then moves up to the crust. The asthenosphere and lithosphere are both layers in the mantle. The kimberlite pushes through fissures in rock, forming vertical geological pipe lines.
The last subterranean kimberlite eruption was thought to have occurred more than 25 million years ago, though the majority of them took place during the Cretaceous Period - 146 million to about 65.5 million years ago. Kimberlite pipes are the main avenue through which diamonds reach the surface.
Diamond formation
The diamond cut shapes you see now are a result of a long process. Diamonds are formed about 100 miles under the earth's surface as a result of extreme heat and pressure. They are carried to mines by volcanic eruptions and are imbedded in kimberlite rocks.
Kimberlite in Antarctica
The presence of kimberlite indicates that diamonds are nearby, though scientists on the project were more interested in the geological find than jewelry. According to NBC, researchers studied the slopes of Mount Meredith, which is part of the Prince Charles mountain range located in East Antarctica. They found three kimberlite samples dating back to about 120 million years ago.
The rocks they found are near the Lambert rift, a transcontinental rift that stretches across Antarctica. Researchers believe the rift, and subsequent kimberlite eruptions, could have been active during the time when Antarctica and Australia split from India. Kimberlite is present on both of those continents, which are also known for their diamond production. It's possible that the kimberlite in Antarctica is originally the same as the rock in Australia and India, as all three continents used to be connected.
No mines for the tundra
The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty protects the continent from drilling of any kind, meaning that diamond mines won't be popping up there. Besides, only about 1 to 2 percent of kimberlites yield gems. A mine in such a harsh climate might not be lucrative. Unfortunately, you'll have to get your hearts and arrows diamonds from another continent.
