Are diamonds the same age as the rock (kimberlite) in which they are found?.Once diamonds were discovered to be hosted in kimberlite, absolute diamond ages became important in exploring for more diamonds, as well as answering the key questions about how they form: This is known as the science of geochronology.Įarly diamond hunters in South Africa cared little about absolute age because diamonds were found as alluvial material in riverbeds and beaches, and only where they could be found mattered. Absolute ages are free of any knowledge of relative age relations to any other geological material. To determine the absolute ages of rocks and minerals such as diamond, scientists measure naturally occurring radioactively decaying elements. In the field, relative ages can be determined by cross-cutting relationships (the younger rock “cuts” across the older rock) or superposition (the younger rock overlies the older rock). A geologist needs to know the age of rocks to construct the geologic history of an area. Humans, animals, wine, cars, and antiques are viewed and understood in the context of their age. Comprehensive CAD/CAM For Jewelry Certificate
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |