Kimberlite - Geochemistry

Geochemistry

The geochemistry of Kimberlites is defined by the following parameters:

• Ultramafic; MgO >12% and generally >15%
• Ultrapotassic; Molar K₂O/Al₂O₃ >3
• Near-primitive Ni (>400 ppm), Cr (>1000 ppm), Co (>150 ppm)
• REE-enrichment
• Moderate to high LILE enrichment; ΣLILE = >1,000 ppm

LILE = large ion lithophile elements

• High H₂O and CO₂