After considering the techniques that diamond exploration companies use to identify kimberlite pipes, we know that while technology and know-how have improved steadily, it is still true that only about 1% of kimberlite pipes will eventually yield an economically-viable diamond deposit. Finding a kimberlite field is by no means a guarantee of success, and a lengthy and expensive process of testing and drilling must be undertaken to test the viability of a pipe once it is discovered.
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Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
1. By Ehud Arye Laniado
www.ehudlaniado.com
Drilling For Diamonds:
High Risk, High Reward
2. DOC ID
Presentation by Ehud Arye Laniado
1
This presentation is about
Gray diamonds.
A link to the full article can be found on the
last slide of the presentation
Aug 2016
The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity. None of the information made
available here shall constitute in any manner an offer or invitation or promotion to buy or to sell diamonds. No one
should act upon any opinion or information in this website (including with respect to diamonds values) without
consulting a professional qualified adviser.
3. DOC ID
Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
2
After considering the techniques that diamond exploration
companies use to identify kimberlite pipes, we know that while
technology and know-how have improved steadily, it is still true that
only about 1% of kimberlite pipes will eventually yield an
economically-viable diamond deposit. Finding a kimberlite field is by
no means a guarantee of success, and a lengthy and expensive
process of testing and drilling must be undertaken to test the
viability of a pipe once it is discovered.
Aug 2016
4. DOC ID
Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
3
• In simple terms, exploration companies take a series of samples
from a kimberlite target, with each one getting gradually larger
and more expensive. Each type of test is designed to assess
different variables, depending on the stage of exploration. Since
sampling is expensive, companies often have to raise additional
financing before continuing on to the next phase of testing, and
the previous results must be positive to ensure that they can raise
sufficient capital to continue.
Aug 2016
5. DOC ID
Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
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The first stage in testing is to analyze samples from the surface
around an anomalous area expected to be a kimberlite. This usually
means taking rock samples and testing for the presence of non-
diamond indicator minerals in sufficient quantities to yield a
diamond-bearing kimberlite. Remember that certain indicator
minerals, specifically a special type of garnet, are formed in the
same region of the Earth as diamonds, and can be indicative of a
diamond-bearing pipe. In rare cases, there can be kimberlite
outcrop, a portion of the underlying kimberlite that is exposed at the
surface. This is unusual - more commonly, we find kimberlite
boulders and other smaller fragments removed during weathering
and erosion.
Aug 2016
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Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
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• Unlike other fancy colors that often show obvious color
saturation, gray diamonds tend to show a very subtle shade or
tone. They often appear like white stones with a metallic or light
bluish tint. For jewelry manufacturers, these stones can be used
to produce very unique designs that give consumers the added
benefit of exclusivity – sough by so many.
July 2016
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Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
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• Given their rarity and low cost, gray diamonds provide potential
buyers with the opportunity to own a unique and personalized
piece of jewelry without needing a large budget. Also, unlike most
fancy color diamonds that are traditionally cut into fancy shapes
like radiants, emeralds and ovals to maximize color saturation,
gray diamonds look very nice when cut into round brilliants. This
allows consumers to own a coveted round shape stone, while still
owning a unique color diamond. Furthermore, gray diamonds
have the added benefit of hidinginclusions inside the stone. Since
natural inclusions are often dark or black, a gray diamond of
lower quality may appear to show a slightly better clarity when
viewed with the naked eye.
July 2016
8. DOC ID
Drilling For Diamonds: High Risk, High Reward
7
The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity. None of the information made
available here shall constitute in any manner an offer or invitation or promotion to buy or to sell diamonds. No one
should act upon any opinion or information in this website (including with respect to diamonds values) without
consulting a professional qualified adviser.
Aug 2016
A full version of the article can be found here:
http://www.ehudlaniado.com/home/index.php/news/entry/drilling-for-diamonds-high-risk-
high-reward