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Kimberlite identification and geology

Kimberlite rock reference specimen

Rare ultramafic volcanic rock that originates from depths 150 km. The primary source of natural diamonds. Texture: Porphyritic with xenoliths. Rock type: Igneous Volcanic/Pipe. Grain size: Variable. Minerals present: Olivine, Phlogopite, Garnet, Diamond rare, Ilmenite. Formation: Erupts explosively from deep mantle sources 150 km , rising rapidly through carrot-shaped pipes called diatremes. Common geological settings: South Africa, Botswana, Russia, Canada, Australia; found as volcanic pipes. Common look-alikes and related entries: Lamprophyre, Peridotite, Basalt.

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:38:13.726998+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
  • Can you identify my rock or mineral? — U.S. Geological Survey. Identification limitations and routes to in-person professional verification.

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Common questions

What is Kimberlite?
Rare ultramafic volcanic rock that originates from depths 150 km. The primary source of natural diamonds.
How can you identify Kimberlite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Igneous Volcanic/Pipe; texture: Porphyritic with xenoliths; grain size: Variable; common minerals: Olivine, Phlogopite, Garnet, Diamond rare, Ilmenite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Kimberlite form?
Erupts explosively from deep mantle sources 150 km , rising rapidly through carrot-shaped pipes called diatremes.
Where is Kimberlite commonly found?
South Africa, Botswana, Russia, Canada, Australia; found as volcanic pipes.
What is Kimberlite commonly confused with?
Kimberlite may be confused with Lamprophyre, Peridotite, Basalt. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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