An alternative interpretation of lower mantle mineral associations in diamonds

Abstract

Diamonds containing ferropericlase (Mg,Fe)O and other silicate (enstatite [(Mg,Fe)SiO3], in particular) assemblages are generally believed to be derived from the Earth's lower mantle. On the basis of the observed ratio between ferropericlase and enstatite inclusions and the FeO content of these ferropericlases, it is concluded that most of these minerals entrapped in diamonds may not represent the lithology of the lower mantle itself as has been suggested by many investigators. Instead, ferropericlases in these diamonds represent most likely the disproportionate product of ferromagnesite [(Mg,Fe)CO3], which underwent a decarbonation reaction to form both diamond and ferropericlase simultaneously in the lower mantle. The wide variation in the Mg# of ferropericlase inclusions in diamonds is attributed to the decarbonation "loop" of the MgCO3–FeCO3 solid solutions. Some of the enstatite inclusions coexisting with these ferropericlases in the same diamond may represent the most abundant mineral species of (Mg,Fe)SiO3-perovskite in the lower mantle. The latter mineral phase experienced a retrogressive transition into enstatite during the transport of diamonds to the Earth's surface.