First African diamonds discovered in Algeria by the ancient Arabo-Berbers: History and insight into the source rocks

Abstract

It is generally believed that the first diamonds ever found in Africa were discovered in South Africa in 1867. Actually, three diamonds had already been found in 1833 near Constantine (Algeria). One of these, still preserved, shows radiohalos that suggest an old age. It could be a Sahara diamond reworked in more recent sediments, possibly the Oligo-Miocene Numidian Flysch; however, this occurrence remains uncertain. The ancient Arabs or Berbers also knew of diamonds in the Reggane region (Algerian Sahara), at Bilād al-mās (▪: “country of the diamond”). Since 1975, some 1500 diamonds have been collected from the alluvial deposits of this area. A manuscript written in Arabic in 1851 mentions diamonds in this region and describes their source rock, looked for in vain by modern geologists. The description is unclear, but might refer to Devonian oolitic ironstones. Modern investigations would rather suggest a kimberlitic primary source with intermediate Early Cretaceous palaeoplacers.