Diamond in Kimberlite

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

AMNH/D. Finnin

from the Mir kimberlite pipe in Yakutia, Russia

This sample shows a diamond embedded in a kimberlite. Kimberlites, mixtures of rock fragments and magma, bring diamonds from depths as great as 300 kilometers (190 miles) to the surface in powerful explosions.

 

AMNH collection