Australian researchers from Curtin University have identified a new geological factor crucial for finding pink diamonds on Earth’s surface, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.

Previously, it was believed that the presence of carbon in the depths of the Earth and the collision forces of tectonic plates were necessary for diamonds to turn pink. However, the team of scientists has discovered that the “stretching” of land masses is also required for these valuable minerals to reach the surface.

Geologist Hugo Olierook and his team conducted a study at the Argyle volcano in northwest Australia, a region known for hosting one of the world’s major pink diamond mines. The analysis revealed that the volcano formed 1.3 billion years ago, much earlier than previously believed, and that this formation was a result of the breakup of an ancient supercontinent.

According to Olierook, the stretching of the area where Argyle is located created cracks in the Earth’s crust, allowing the magma containing pink diamonds to rise to the surface. This discovery suggests that the presence of carbon in the depths, continental collision, and stretching are the three key ingredients for finding pink diamonds.

The geologist emphasizes the importance of finding “the next Argyle,” as the area where this mine is located is a junction of two ancient continents, leaving open the possibility of discovering other similar diamond-bearing volcanoes.

Sources:
– Study published in Nature Communications.
– Curtin University, Australia.