Diamond potential versus oxygen regime of carbonatites

Abstract

Physicochemical conditions of graphite and diamond formation in the carbonate-rich melts were estimated. A large body of analytical data was obtained for compositions of coexisting minerals in the studied objects (Chernigovka Massif, Ukraine, and Chagatai carbonatite complex, Uzbekistan). The carbon isotopic composition of the coexisting carbonates and graphite from these carbonatites was analyzed. New thermodynamic methods were proposed to estimate the oxygen potential in graphite- and diamond-bearing carbonatites. Oxygen fugacity in the graphite-bearing carbonatites is slightly below the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer. It was proved that diamond is generated in the course of reduction of carbonate components arriving from plume material into the lower subcontinental lithosphere rather than owing to partial oxidation of methane fluids. As follows from the study of olivine and nominally anhydrous minerals in kimberlites, the limited role of methane in deep mantle is determined by low water activity. Methane is generated in mantle under special conditions such as extremely low oxygen fugacity (for instance, at the base of continental lithosphere) and elevated water activity. These conditions may occur during crystallization differentiation in deep-level chambers of kimberlite and proto-kimberlite magmas.