African Plant Signals Location of Diamonds
A rare African plant thrives over mineral deposits particularly associated with diamond formation.
Plant grows over potential diamond deposits
Diamonds are formed at least 200 kilometres deep in the Earth's mantle. Volcanic activity has brought them closer to the surface by way of kimberlite dykes and pipes. The kimberlite rock has been one of the biggest clues to finding diamonds in places like South Africa and West Africa.
But Dr. Stephen Haggerty, a Distinguished Research Professor of Geology and Geosciences at Florida International University in Miami, has determined another clue.
A rare African plant called Pandanus candelabrum has been found to grown only in the rich soil immediately above the volcanic kimberlite rock. The quest for diamonds may have become easier, as the plant is found in heavily forested areas where it is difficult to do exploration.
Related Links
- Paper in Economic Geology
- Florida International University release
- Science News article
- The Independent story