kimberlite
noun
kim·ber·lite
ˈkim-bər-ˌlīt 
: an agglomerate biotite-peridotite that occurs in pipes especially in southern Africa and that often contains diamonds
Examples of kimberlite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rhyolitic tuff weren't the only product either - there are kimberlites that erupted on the Colorado Plateau as well.
—
Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2010
The researchers collected historical data describing the plates’ movements and studied kimberlites, the rocks tossed into the air that hold the gems, to learn more about the spectacle, The Guardian reported.
—Justin Ray, Robb Report, 28 July 2023
One idea posits that the deep plumes of rising, hot mantle that may drive continental breakup could also fuel kimberlite formation.
—Maya Wei-Haas, New York Times, 26 July 2023
The confluence of these factors create diamond-bearing kimberlite magma.
—Justin Ray, Robb Report, 28 July 2023
For decades, scientists have known that volcanic eruptions of an igneous rock known as kimberlite can contain diamonds in their rock matrix, and such kimberlite hot spots can be found in South Africa, the northeastern U.S., and Siberia, among other places.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 1 June 2023
There are kimberlite deposits related to deep-seated volcanism that brought diamonds to the surface, but again, those are as ancient as the rocks surrounding them.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2014
The samples of kimberlite, an igneous rock which sometimes contains diamonds, came from deep beneath Chidliak Kimberlite Province in southern Baffin Island.
—Rory Sullivan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2020
Diamonds come from kimberlite, a volcanic rock found in deep layers under the earth.
—Micaela Erlanger, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Dec. 2019
Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2010
The researchers collected historical data describing the plates’ movements and studied kimberlites, the rocks tossed into the air that hold the gems, to learn more about the spectacle, The Guardian reported.
—Justin Ray, Robb Report, 28 July 2023
One idea posits that the deep plumes of rising, hot mantle that may drive continental breakup could also fuel kimberlite formation.
—Maya Wei-Haas, New York Times, 26 July 2023
The confluence of these factors create diamond-bearing kimberlite magma.
—Justin Ray, Robb Report, 28 July 2023
For decades, scientists have known that volcanic eruptions of an igneous rock known as kimberlite can contain diamonds in their rock matrix, and such kimberlite hot spots can be found in South Africa, the northeastern U.S., and Siberia, among other places.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 1 June 2023
There are kimberlite deposits related to deep-seated volcanism that brought diamonds to the surface, but again, those are as ancient as the rocks surrounding them.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2014
The samples of kimberlite, an igneous rock which sometimes contains diamonds, came from deep beneath Chidliak Kimberlite Province in southern Baffin Island.
—Rory Sullivan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2020
Diamonds come from kimberlite, a volcanic rock found in deep layers under the earth.
—Micaela Erlanger, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Dec. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kimberlite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Kimberley, South Africa + -ite entry 1
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near kimberlite
Cite this Entry
“Kimberlite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kimberlite. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on kimberlite
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kimberlite
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share