Diamond Mining Glossary Definitions (A to C)* Aeromagnetic SurveyDiamond Mining Glossary Of Terms-Page One An airborne geophysical survey using a magnetometer * Airborne SurveyA survey conducted by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft in order to measure properties of the sub-surface rock below, such as magnetics, gravity density, radioactivity, etc.* AlnoiteA Kimberlitic rock chiefly composed of biotite or phlogopite and melilite as essential minerals, commonly with olivine, calcite, and clinopyroxene* Alluvial DiamondsDiamonds that have been washed into and remain in a deposit of clay, silt, and sand left by flowing water in a river valley or delta* AnomalyA feature distinguished by geological, geophysical, or geochemical means, which is different from the general surroundings, and which may be indicative of a zone of potential diamond exploration interest.* ArchaeanRefers To an earlier part of the Precambrian aeon (before or about 2,500 million years ago)* Assessment WorkThe amount of work specified by diamond mining law, that must be performed each year in order to retain legal control of mining claims* BrecciaA rock made up of highly angular coarse fragments. May be sedimentary or formed by crushing or grinding along faults* Bulk SampleA large sample consisting of hundreds of tonnes which is then processed to determine grade* CaratA unit to measure the weight of a diamond.
* CarbonA non-metallic element, found free in nature in three allotropic forms: amorphous, graphite, and diamond* Caustic FusionA process which utilizes attrition milling, heavy liquid seperation and complete digestion of the rock by subjecting it to strongly basic solution at high temperature(caustic soda). During the final step, virtually all of the minerals that constitute the kimberlite are rendered soluble except for the diamonds. The resulting residues are then observed microscopically to identify and recover the diamonds.* ChromiteA mineral of the spinel group. The principle ore of chromium. A kimberlite indicator mineral.ClaimThe portion of mining ground held under the federal or local laws by one claimant or association, by virtue of one location and record.* CoreA cylindrical section of rock, usually about an inch in diameter, brought to the surface by diamond drilling for geological examination and/or laboratory analysis.* Crater FaciesKimberlite material found nearest the top of pipes; preserved only in primary deposits that have undergone little or no erosion since their enplacement.* CratonA portion of the earth's crust which has been stable for a geoligically long period of time. Most diamondiferous kimberlites worldwide are associated with Archean cratons
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