The microscopic inclusions inside the diamond tells its origins. The crystals are formed in a transition layer of the mantle at a depth of more than 600 kilometers, and there is sufficient amount of water. The Karowe mine where the specimens were found could not penetrate deep in

The microscopic inclusions inside the diamond tells its origins. crystal is formed in a transition layer of the mantle at a depth of more than 600 kilometers, and there is sufficient water.

Karowe mine where specimens were found

Even the deepest artificial well cannot penetrate into the interior of the earth. We can learn what is happening hundreds of kilometers below by transporting minerals closer to the surface. Not long ago, a similar sample (weight 1.5 carats) was found in the diamond mine of Botswana, and it fell into the hands of geologists.

Scientists found that a diamond containing a large amount of mineral inclusion was formed at a depth of about 660 kilometers, and even there, the molten rock contained a lot of water. Gu Tingting and his colleagues talked about this in an article published in the journal "Natural Earth Sciences ".

Geologists examined a total of 12 microscopic inclusions in the sample and studied them using X-rays and Raman spectroscopy. This makes it possible to find mantle minerals such as magnesite , magnesite and pyroxene. Under certain conditions, including high pressure, magnesite can be converted into magnesite and magnesite, while under lower pressure, magnesite will become turbidgeite. Therefore, the combination of these three minerals can well illustrate the formation of diamonds and the emergence of inclusions therein.

Some inclusions under the microscope

Results, geologists determined that the sample came from a depth of 660 kilometers. This is a very interesting area that separates the lower and upper mantle, with fairly rapid changes in composition, density and other properties. The recently studied samples are present in magnesite, magnesite and some other minerals, indicating that water is present even at such deep depths. Evidence in this area was previously known, but based on the new data, the transition layer of the mantle should have a lot of water.

Recall that although the earth's surface is almost covered by three-quarters of the ocean, hides deeper moisture. Through the cracks in the lithosphere, water seeps down into the mantle. After some time, it can rise to the top again: for example, volcanic emissions. This long geological cycle of water plays an important role in covering the entire earth. The new work will give you a better understanding of how it works.