Kimberlitic olivine – a proxy to kimberlite petrogenesis and ascent process

Abstract

In kimberlite, olivine is an important constituent and it is found as mineral grains of different sizes, which can be of xenocrystic and magmatic origin. To know the processes, that are involved and controls the compositional variations of olivine, can provide distinct understanding into the genesis and evolution of kimberlites. In addition to this the textural features of kimberlitic olivine, which are recorded as textural events during magma assent constrains the ascent of kimberlite and the processes involved. Unambiguous identification of kimberlitic olivine and its textural features require careful petrographic examination combined with mineral compositional analysis and use of high magnification images (BSE-SEM), all this is integrated to know the origin of olivine grain which in turn constrain the process involved in ascent of kimberlite and its petrogenesis. In this study we review the use of kimberlitic olivine in deducing the upper mantle conditions and process for kimberlite petrogenesis.