Diamond Mining Glossary Definitions (D to F)* DiamondA Diamond Is The hardest mineral known, and composed of Pure carbon. * Diamond Stability FieldA region of the earth's interior between the crust and the core, at depths between 150km and 200km. This is where specific pressure and temperature conditions are favorable for diamond growth and preservation.* DiamondiferousContaining Diamonds* Diatreme FaciesKimberlite contained within a tapered carrot-shaped subvolcanic "diatreme" about one kilometer below the earth's surface* Dense Media Seperation (DMS)A process by which minerals are seperated by utilizing each minerals unique specific gravity. Specific gravity is a relative measurement between the weight of a mineral and water. Some minerals are light and float, while others are heavy and sink. DMS takes advantage of the differences in specific gravity between various minerals as a means to seperate one from another.* DykeA tabular body of igneous rock that cuts across the structure of adjacent rocks.* EclogiticDiamonds are generally either eclogitic or peridotitic. Eclogitic diamonds are found crystalized in ecologitic source rocks. Eclogites are essentially biminerallic rocks composed of pyrope-almandine garnet and omphacitic clinopyroxene.* Em SurveyA method of geophysical surveying which measures a rock's electromagnetic properties.* EskerWinding ridges of gravel and sand. Left behind by meltwater from a retreating glacier or ice sheet.
* ExplorationThe work involved in looking for ore. It may include geologic reconnaissance, e.g. remote sensing, photogeology, geophysical and geochemical methods, and both surface and underground investigations.* FaultA fracture or a zone of fractures in the Earth's crust, marked by the relative displacement and discontinuity of a layer or layers of rock.* FissureAn extensive crack, break, or fracture in rocks.* FloatPieces of rock or ore which have been separated from a larger, in situ, body of ore by natural forces.
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