kimberlite

[ kim-ber-lahyt ]

noun

1. Petrology. a variety of micaceous peridotite, low in silica content and high in magnesium content, in which diamonds are formed.

kimberlite

/ ˈkɪmbəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. an intrusive igneous rock generated at great depth in the earth's mantle and consisting largely of olivine and phlogopite. It often contains diamonds

kimberlite

/ kĭm′bər-līt′ /

1. A type of peridotite consisting of a fine-grained matrix of calcite and olivine and containing phenocrysts of olivine, garnet, and sometimes diamonds. Kimberlites are found in long, vertical volcanic pipes, especially in South Africa.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kimberlite¹

1885–90; named after Kimberley, South Africa; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of kimberlite¹

C19: from Kimberley + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The yellow ground was already gone, and the equipment was cutting into the blue kimberlite below.

From Project Gutenberg

The diamonds at Kimberley are found in a blue earth, technically known as kimberlite and commonly called "blue ground."

From Project Gutenberg

"We placed the instruments without difficulty," Balgos began—and Connel's eye caught sight of the kimberlite samples on the table.

From Project Gutenberg