Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field Research Articles

Subsurface architecture of the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, Dharwar Craton, India: Evidence from ground magnetic surveys

The Ground magnetic study in the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field and adjoining area has unveiled prominent geological variations, including felsic doming beneath the PGC-II formation to the west of the Cuddapah Basin and mafic doming beneath the Closepet Granite zone. These doming features within the upper mantle are identified as sources of mantle upwelling, which influence the emplacement of corresponding intrusive rocks. The presence of mafic chambers enhances the magnetic response, leading to localized high signatures in magnetic data and contributes to a better understanding of the subsurface composition and distribution of rock types. The present magnetic data throw lights to study the complexity of the sub-surface structure and geological activities, have shaped the study area and serve as valuable markers for understanding the geological evolution of the area. The intersections of magnetic lineament oriented in NW-SE, NE-SW, E-W yield crucial insights into geological structures and the emplacement of Kimberlite intrusions. Through comprehensive magnetic data analysis, the study offers a unique cross-sectional view of the subsurface, reaching depth up to 60 km. This perspective unveils magnetic sources and structures, revealing shallow features, interfaces of the Archaean basement, crustal roots, and upper mantle configuration. Profound magnetic gradients observed in the study area serve as indicators of fault lines influenced by tectonic activity, kimberlite intrusion, and other fault-related mineralization if any. These features contribute to a deeper understanding of the structural configurations and geological history of the area. The present study provides information about the lateral and vertical layouts of major structures as well as the deep-seated channels. It also introduces the mafic and felsic categories of rocks, explaining the complex relationships between underlying structures, geological characteristics, and magnetic anomalies.

Combined Geophysical Study to Compare Responses from Pipe 1 and Pipe 2 in Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field

Combined Geophysical Study to Compare Responses from Pipe 1 and Pipe 2 in Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field

Lamprophyre sites of Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, Southern India: Potential candidates for developing as geoparks

This article presents field description of lamprophyres of the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) emphasising their geoscientific potential to develop and popularize them as geoparks. Also presented are other places of geological importance and heritage sites to visit, such as kimberlite pipe locations, syenite body at Danduvaripalli, ancient Hindu shrines and Batrepalli waterfall etc. to develop as a geotourism corridor. The WKF is largest of all kimberlite fields in the Indian shield and is bestowed with all types of rare mantle derived lamprophyre clan rocks (LCRs) such as lamprophyres, lamproites and kimberlites. The LCRs represent geological anomalies and act as the focal points of diamond exploration. They have been significant in mantle petrological research. The geopark evaluation reveals that the lamprophyre sites deserve to be considered for geopark development. A geotoruism strategy through SWOT evaluation of eligibility criteria of lamprophyres shows that they have geoscientific potential to be developed as geoparks in conjunction with other geological and cultural sites in the proximity. As the outcrops are small, developing them as geoparks and their maintenance is not tough, however, it requires investment, maintenance and wide publicity. If developed as geoparks, these will attract geology researchers and enthusiasts and stands as an example for other similar sites in the country to inculcate awareness of geotourism. Proactive and aggressive involvement of national geological organisations and institutes is inevitable to achieve the goal of unraveling new geoparks of this sort.

Perovskite U-Pb age and petrogenesis of the P-12 kimberlite from the Eastern Dharwar craton, southern India: Implications for a possible linkage to the 1110 Ma large igneous province

Petrology, bulk-rock geochemistry, and perovskite U-Pb age for the P-12 kimberlite pipe from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field, Eastern Dharwar craton (EDC) of southern India is reported. Perovskites yielded a high-precision U-Pb age of 1122 ± 7.7 Ma, taken to be an emplacement age of the host P-12 kimberlite pipe. The groundmass of coherent facies P-12 kimberlite contains monticellite, clinopyroxene, andradite, atoll spinel with titanomagnetite trend, and perovskite with an elevated REE contents. Phlogopite shows restricted Al2O3 and TiO2 contents. Furthermore, olivines with a wider and higher range of core compositions (i.e. Mg# = 84–94) and multi-granular nodules are the hallmark features of the P-12 pipe. This assorted primary mineral content and its composition indicates the transitional nature of the P-12 towards the Kaapvaal lamproites. However, concentrations of bulk-rock major and trace elements in the P-12 and other Wajrakarur kimberlites are similar to the global hypabyssal magmatic kimberlites. Large ion lithophile and high field strength elements (e.g. Ba and Nb) and their ratios (e.g. La/Nb and Th/Nb) suggest the presence of a heterogeneous and lithosphere influenced mantle source region which have been severely overprinted by metasomatizing fluids/melts emanating from the deep sourced upwelling mantle. The presence of such mixed and metasomatized mantle source regions likely to be an important factor for the transitional nature of the P-12 and other Mesoproterozoic kimberlites. Based on the availability of the newest emplacement ages, we propose a geodynamic model for the origin of kimberlites in the Indian subcontinent. The U-Pb age of 1122 ± 7.7 Ma for the P-12 pipe shows its close temporal association to the emplacement of the recently proposed 1110 Ma Large Igneous Province (LIP), with plume center beneath the NW part of the Kalahari craton. Emplacement of the P-12 and other contemporaneous Indian kimberlites, therefore, marks the impingement of mantle plume which contributed heat and triggered partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle without melt input. The eruption phase of ~ 100 million years (i.e. 1050–1153 Ma), for the kimberlites and related rocks in the Indian shield, does not appear to be continuous and can be separated into several short-durational magmatic events. For this reason, small-volume, volatile-rich magmatism during the Mesoproterozoic time in India is linked to the presence of a number of LIPs and associated mantle plumes during Columbia to Rodinia supercontinent transition and assembly of cratonic blocks of the latter.

Hales Discontinuity in the Southern Indian Continental Lithosphere: Seismological and Petrological Models

AbstractWe model the depth and Vs structure of the Hales discontinuity (H‐D) beneath Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) and Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT) using P wave receiver function (P‐RF) analysis and joint inversion with Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersion. We calculate P‐RFs at higher frequency (fmax = 0.46 Hz), compared to previous studies, to show that the H‐D P‐to‐S converted phase (Phs) is distinct from crustal reverberations. Phs at stations Hyderabad (HYB) and Gauribidanur (GBA), in the EDC, arrive at ∼11.5 s and ∼12 s, respectively. From joint inversion, the H‐D is modeled at 107 ± 5 km and 113 ± 4 km depth, with ∼3% and ∼4% Vs increase, beneath HYB and GBA, respectively. For station Kodaikanal (KOD), in SGT, the Phs destructively interferes with the negative midcrustal reverberation at most ray‐parameters, which explains its apparent absence in previous studies. We isolated P‐RFs where Phs is distinct at ∼11 s and model it at 102 ± 3 km depth. Common conversion point stack profiles constructed by depth migrating P‐RFs through the Vs model show an undulatory nature of the H‐D. From data of mantle xenoliths (Wajrakarur kimberlite field), we calculate Vs of mantle peridotite and eclogite, using published bulk rock compositions. At the H‐D depth and temperature derived from Indian shield geotherm, we observed a good match to the Vs structure of the H‐D. Our results support the geodynamic model of the H‐D being an interface of paleosubducted eclogitic oceanic crust embedded within the upper mantle peridotite. Global observations of mantle reflectors within the continental lithosphere, at depths similar to H‐D, have been related to relict subduction and independently support our model.

Clinopyroxene and Garnet Mantle Cargo in Kimberlites as Probes of Dharwar Craton Architecture and Geotherms, with Implications for Post-1·1 Ga Lithosphere Thinning Events Beneath Southern India

AbstractThe Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) on the Eastern Dharwar Craton in southern India hosts several occurrences of Mesoproterozoic kimberlites, lamproites and ultramafic lamprophyres, for which mantle-derived xenoliths are rare and only poorly preserved. The general paucity of mantle cargo has hampered the investigation of the nature and evolution of the continental lithospheric mantle (CLM) beneath cratonic southern India. We present a comprehensive study of the major and trace element compositions of clinopyroxene and garnet xenocrysts recovered from heavy mineral concentrates for three c.1·1 Ga old WKF kimberlite pipes (P7, P9, P10), with the goal to improve our understanding of the cratonic mantle architecture and its evolution beneath southern India. The pressure-temperature conditions recorded by peridotitic clinopyroxene xenocrysts, estimated using single-pyroxene thermobarometry, suggest a relatively moderate cratonic mantle geotherm of 40 mW/m2 at 1·1 Ga. Reconstruction of the vertical distribution of clinopyroxene and garnet xenocrysts, combined with some rare mantle xenoliths data, reveals a compositionally layered CLM structure. Two main lithological horizons are identified and denoted as layer A (∼80–145 km depth) and layer B (∼160–190 km depth). Layer A is dominated by depleted lherzolite with subordinate amounts of pyroxenite, whereas layer B comprises mainly refertilised and Ti-metasomatized peridotite. Harzburgite occurs as a minor lithology in both layers. Eclogite stringers occur within the lower portion of layer A and at the bottom of layer B near the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary at 1·1 Ga. Refertilisation of layer B is marked by garnet compositions with enrichment in Ca, Ti, Fe, Zr and LREE, although Y is depleted compared to garnet in layer A. Garnet trace element systematics such as Zr/Hf and Ti/Eu indicate that both kimberlitic and carbonatitic melts have interacted with and compositionally overprinted layer B. Progressive changes in the REE systematics of garnet grains with depth record an upward percolation of a continuously evolving metasomatic agent. The intervening zone between layers A and B at ∼145–160 km depth is characterized by a general paucity of garnet. This ‘garnet-paucity’ zone and an overlying type II clinopyroxene-bearing zone (∼115–145 km) appear to be rich in hydrous mineral assemblages of the MARID- or PIC kind. The composite horizon between ∼115–160 km depth may represent the product of intensive melt/rock interaction by which former garnet was largely reacted out and new metasomatic phases such as type II clinopyroxene and phlogopite plus amphibole were introduced. By analogy with better-studied cratons, this ‘metasomatic horizon’ may be a petrological manifestation of a former mid-lithospheric discontinuity at 1·1 Ga. Importantly, the depth interval of the present-day lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary beneath Peninsular India as detected in seismic surveys coincides with this heavily overprinted metasomatic horizon, which suggests that post-1·1 Ga delamination of cratonic mantle lithosphere progressed all the way to mid-lithospheric depth. This finding implies that strongly overprinted metasomatic layers, such as the ‘garnet-paucity’ zone beneath the Dharwar craton, present structural zones of weakness that aid lithosphere detachment and foundering in response to plate tectonic stresses.

Spinel and Ti-rich schorlomite from the Wajrakarur kimberlites, southern India: Implications for metasomatism, diamond potential and orangeite lineage

Kl-4 and P-5 mesoproterozoic kimberlite pipes along with several other well-known diamondiferous (ca. 1110 Ma) kimberlites in the Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF) intruded into the cratonic roots of Eastern Dharwar craton (EDC) in southern India. The groundmass minerals of the kimberlites exhibit inequigranular texture contain spinel, Ti-rich schorlomite garnet, two generations of olivine (macrocrysts and groundmass microphenocrysts), phlogopite, perovskite, clinopyroxene (diopside), ilmenite (low Mn) and rare apatite. We identified three distinct spinel associations in Kl-4 and P-5: (i) fine-grained (<50 μm) microcrysts in the groundmass; (ii) resorbed euhedral atoll spinel, consisting of titanomagnetite (magnesian-ulvospinel-magnetite to titanian-chrome-magnetite) which is isolated from the rim of magnetite by spongy lagoon phase of schorlomite, and (iii) larger chrome spinel macrocrysts/xenocrysts (>500 μm). The schorlomite garnet in both P-5 and Kl-4 represents solid solution of schorlomite-pyrope-almandine-grossular. Additionally, Kl-4 contains another Cr-rich schorlomite-pyrope-almandine-uvarovite solid solution. Macrocrystic spinel exhibits distinct composition of chromium (Cr2O3 up to 59.62 wt%), and poor in TiO2 (<1.19 wt%). The high chromium spinel macrocrysts from Kl-4 are confirmed to be fragments of mantle xenocrysts and their composition falls within the diamond stability field. Atoll-textured epitaxial mantled resorbed spinel associated with schorlomite suggests that they formed through the replacement of spinel possibly through interaction of late residual fluids/melts in the final stages of crystallization of the kimberlite magma. The significant enrichment of Fe and Ti in schorlomite suggests the involvement of metasomatized sub-continental lithospheric mantle. It is also inferred that spinel immiscibility played an important role in the metasomatic replacement. The Ti-rich minerals have orangeitic affinity, similar to those in the Kaapvaal craton of South Africa, and suggest the high Ti-, high Ca- and the low Al-bearing nature of the parent magma (Group II kimberlites). The groundmass tetraferriphlogopite is Al- and Ba-poor and spinel show compositions straddling between magnesian ulvöspinel (Group I kimberlite) and titanomagnetite (Group II kimberlite) comparable with orangeite and lamproites. The results presented in this study suggest that the P-5 and Kl-4 has orengeitic or lamproitic affinity. Our findings can be useful as an indicator mineral in diamond prospecting.

Mineralogy and petrology of shoshonitic lamprophyre dykes from the Sivarampeta area, diamondiferous Wajrakarur kimberlite field, Eastern Dharwar craton, southern India

Mineralogy and petrology of shoshonitic lamprophyre dykes from the Sivarampeta area, diamondiferous Wajrakarur kimberlite field, Eastern Dharwar craton, southern India

Petrogenesis of the diamondiferous Pipe-8 ultramafic intrusion from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field of Southern India and its relation to the worldwide Mesoproterozoic (~1.1 ​Ga) magmatism of kimberlite and related rocks

Detailed mineralogy, bulk rock major, trace and Sr–Nd isotope compositions, and 40Ar/39Ar dating of the Pipe-8 diamondiferous ultramafic intrusion in the Wajrakarur cluster of southern India, is reported. Based on the presence of Ti-rich phlogopite, high Na/K content in amphibole, Al- and Ti-rich diopside, a titanomagnetite trend in spinel and the presence of Ti-rich schorlomite garnet and carbonates in the groundmass, the Pipe-8 intrusion is here more precisely classified as an ultramafic lamprophyre (i.e., aillikite). An aillikite affinity of the Pipe-8 intrusion is further supported by the bulk rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry. Sr–Nd isotope data are consistent with a common, moderately depleted upper mantle source region for both the Pipe-8 aillikite as well as the Wajrakarur kimberlites of southern India. A phlogopite-rich groundmass 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 1115.8 ​± ​7.9 ​Ma (2σ) for the Pipe-8 intrusion falls within a restricted 100 ​Ma time bracket as defined by the 1053–1155 ​Ma emplacement ages of kimberlites and related rocks in India. The presence of ultramafic lamprophyres, carbonatites, kimberlites, and olivine lamproites in the Wajrakarur kimberlite field requires low degrees of partial melting of contrasting metasomatic assemblages in a heterogeneous sub-continental lithospheric mantle. The widespread association of kimberlite and other mantle-derived magmatism during the Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.1 ​Ga) have been interpreted as being part of a single large igneous province comprising of the Kalahari, Australian, West Laurentian and Indian blocks of the Rodinia supercontinent that were in existence during its assembly. In India only kimberlite/lamproite/ultramafic lamprophyre magmatism occurred at this time without the associated large igneous provinces as seen in other parts of Rodinia. This may be because of the separated paleo-latitudinal position of India from Australia during the assembly of Rodinia. It is speculated that the presence of a large plume at or close to 1.1 ​Ga within the Rodinian supercontinent, with the Indian block located on its periphery, could be the reason for incipient melting of lithospheric mantle and the consequent emplacement of only kimberlites and other ultramafic, volatile rich rocks in India due to comparatively low thermal effects from the distant plume.

Lithosphere–asthenosphere interaction and carbonatite metasomatism in the genesis of Mesoproterozoic shoshonitic lamprophyres at Korakkodu, Wajrakarur kimberlite field, Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India

The spatial and temporal association between lamprophyres and kimberlites provides unique opportunities to explore their genetic relationships. This paper explores such a relationship by detailing mineralogical and geochemical aspects of Korakkodu lamprophyre dykes located within the well‐known Mesoproterozoic diamondiferous Wajrakarur Kimberlite field (WKF), towards the south‐western margin of Paleo–Mesoproterozoic Cuddapah Basin, Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India. Mineralogy reveals that these dykes belong to calc‐alkaline variety of lamprophyres, but their geochemistry display mixed signals of both alkaline and calc‐alkaline lamprophyres. These lamprophyres are highly potassic, and their high Al2O3 and low‐TiO2 content implies a shoshonitic character. Low Mg#, Ni, and Cr concentration highlight their evolved nature. High (La/Yb)N and (Gd/Yb)N content is consistent with their derivation from low degrees of partial melting, whereas highly fractionated nature suggests the presence of garnet in their source. Absence of prominent Nb‐Ta anomaly implies to the dilution of lithospheric mantle source by melts rich in HFSEs and low La/Nb ratio compared to those of the calc‐alkaline island arc volcanics and suggests an asthenospheric overprint on lithospheric mantle source. Carbonatite metasomatism in the source region of these lamprophyres is apparent from conspicuously high‐Zr/Hf ratio, and the HFSE budget of these lamprophyres are principally controlled by the presence of phlogopite veins in their lithospheric source. An extremely heterogeneous and layered lithospheric mantle beneath Eastern Dharwar Craton has been inferred from the divergent genetic history of Mesoproterozoic lamprophyres and kimberlites in the Wajrakarur field.

Petrogenesis of lamprophyres synchronous to kimberlites from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field: Implications for contrasting lithospheric mantle sources and geodynamic evolution of the eastern Dharwar Craton of southern India

Kimberlite field is an example of widespread Mesoproterozoic intracontinental magmatism. Recent studies have identified deep subcontinental lithospheric mantle as a source region of the kimberlite magmatism while timing, origin, and processes responsible for the generation of coeval lamprophyres remain poorly constrained. Here, we present and discuss new petrological and geochemical data for two lamprophyre dykes from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field and assess their petrogenetic relation to the kimberlite occurrences. Based on mineral compositional and whole‐rock geochemical characters, it is suggested that lamprophyres are formed through low degrees of partial melting of “enriched” lithospheric mantle that was modified and metasomatized by melts derived from recycled crust. This differs from geochemical imprints found in coeval kimberlites, where a crustal source component appears to be absent and is more consistent with rock derivation from “depleted” lithosphere which has experienced interaction with asthenosphere‐derived melts. An apparent lack of garnet in the mantle sources of lamprophyres is suggestive of melting at comparatively shallow depth (~100 km) relative to the kimberlites. Hence, these geochemically contrasting rocks, although have formed at the same time, are derived from vertically heterogeneous lithospheric mantle sources and can be explained through and linked with a thermal anomaly in the underlying convective asthenosphere. We suggest that the deeper mantle source region of the kimberlites was more pristine and devoid of subduction‐related signatures, whereas the shallower mantle source region of the lamprophyres seems to have preserved imprints of plate convergence and subduction associated with the evolution of the Dharwar Craton.

Olivine trace element compositions in diamondiferous lamproites from India: Proxies for magma origins and the nature of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Bastar and Dharwar cratons

The ~1100 Ma CC2 and P13 lamproite dykes in the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF), Eastern Dharwar Craton, and ~65 Ma Kodomali and Behradih lamproite diatremes in the Mainpur Kimberlite Field (MKF), Bastar Craton share a similar mineralogy, although the proportions of individual mineral phases vary significantly. The lamproites contain phenocrysts, macrocrysts and microcrysts of olivine set in a groundmass dominated by diopside and phlogopite with a subordinate amount of spinel, perovskite, apatite and serpentine along with rare barite. K-richterite occurs as inclusion in olivine phenocrysts in Kodomali, while it is a late groundmass phase in Behradih and CC2. Mineralogically, the studied intrusions are classified as olivine lamproites. Based on microtextures and compositions, three distinct populations of olivine are recognised. The first population comprises Mg-rich olivine macrocrysts (Fo89–93), which are interpreted to be xenocrysts derived from disaggregated mantle peridotites. The second population includes Fe-rich olivine macrocrysts (Fo82–89), which are suggested to be the product of metasomatism of mantle wall-rock by precursor lamproite melts. The third population comprises phenocrysts and overgrowth rims (Fo83–92), which are clearly of magmatic origin. The Mn and Al systematics of Mg-rich olivine xenocrysts indicate an origin from diverse mantle lithologies including garnet peridotite, garnet–spinel peridotite and spinel peridotite beneath the WKF, and mostly from garnet peridotite beneath the MKF. Modelling of temperatures calculated using the Al-in-olivine thermometer for olivine xenocrysts indicates a hotter palaeogeotherm of the SCLM beneath the WKF (between 41 and 43 mW/m2) at ~1100 Ma than beneath the MKF (between 38 and 41 mW/m2) at ~65 Ma. Further, a higher degree of metasomatism of the SCLM by precursor lamproite melts has occurred beneath the WKF compared to the MKF based on the extent of CaTi enrichment in Fe-rich olivine macrocrysts. For different lamproite intrusions within a given volcanic field, lower Fo olivine overgrowth rims are correlated with higher phlogopite plus oxide mineral abundances. A comparison of olivine overgrowth rims from the two fields shows that WKF olivines with lower Fo content than MKF olivines are associated with increased XMg in spinel and phlogopite and vice versa. Melt modelling indicates relatively Fe-rich parental melt for WKF intrusions compared to MKF intrusions. The Ni/Mg and Mn/Fe systematics of magmatic olivines indicate derivation of the lamproite melts from mantle source rocks with a higher proportion of phlogopite and/or lower proportion of orthopyroxene for the WKF on the Eastern Dharwar Craton compared to those for the MKF on the Bastar Craton. This study highlights how olivine cores provide important insights into the composition and thermal state of cratonic mantle lithosphere as sampled by lamproites, including clues to elusive precursor metasomatic events. Variable compositions of olivine rims testify to the complex interplay of parental magma composition and localised crystallisation conditions including oxygen fugacity variations, co-crystallisation of groundmass minerals, and assimilation of entrained material.

Frequency ratio modelling using geospatial data to predict Kimberlite Clan of rock emplacement zones in Dharwar Craton, India

Kimberlite clan of rocks (KCR) comprising of mantle derived ultrabasic rocks such as Kimberlite and related Lamproites and Lamprophyres,are the primary source of diamond. Locating the KCR is first step in the diamond exploration, which is highly challenging in the field due to (i) very small spatial extent of KCR pipes (ii) high susceptibility of KCR to weathering and alteration on exposure to atmosphere, owing to their ultrabasic composition. Predictive statistical models using the geospatial data are often used to minimize the search and the present work attempts to apply the Frequency Ratio (FR) based predictive model in GIS to prepare KCR potential zone maps based on the relationship between the already explored KCR locations and the factors that favour their emplacement. Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) in the Dharawar Craton of India, with more than 30 explored kimberlite pipes is selected as the study area. Geospatial technology has been used to generate thematic maps such as known KCR pipe locations, lineament density, lineament buffer zone, lineament intersection buffer zone, drainage anomaly buffer zone, geomorphology, and classified image showing distribution of mineral such as clay, iron oxide and calcrete, which are surface expression of KCR emplacement from various sources. Landsat 8 OLI satellite data, ASTER DEM were used in preparing the geomorphology, lineament map, and band ratio based mineral classified map. The thematic maps were converted to raster grid of 10 sq. m. FR values for each unit in each thematic map were obtained by correlating the spatial relationship between thematic map and the 25 locations of the 33 “known” KCR locations in WKF used for FR modelling. Cumulative FR value were obtained by carrying out overlay analysis of the thematic maps, which are classified into five classes by Natural Breaking method as (i)Very Low Favourable (VLF), (ii) Low Favourable (LF), (iii)Moderate favourable (MF), (iv)High Favourable (HF), and (v)Very High Favourable (VHF). The model was validated by ground verification at random sites and statistical method. During the ground visit, we observed KCR-like lithology’s at four new sites that have calcrete exposure at limited spatial extent and also some pieces of ultrabasic rocks similar to the explored sites. To ascertain their chemical composition of the samples were plotted in the MgO-K2O-Al2O3 ternary diagram. All the four samples fall in the Kimberlite/Lamproite field confirming them to be KCR. The FR predictive model was also validated statistically. Total 13 locations, including 8 site out of 33 known KCR locations, one newly discovered pipe by GSI and the four locations discovered during this study were used for the validation. Statistical validation shows that 84% of model accuracy is achieved. The study reveals that Lineament Intersection, and circular drainage anomaly in 3rd order streams, lineament density are significant themes in predicting KCR emplacement zones. The study demonstrates the utility of statistical based model such as FR model in predicting the location of KCR emplacement, even with statistically insignificant distribution of KCRs and can be applied elsewhere in the world to locate the KCRs. In the process, we report discovery of four new KCR pipes in the WKF.

Petrology and Sr-Nd isotope systematics of the Ahobil kimberlite (Pipe-16) from the Wajrakarur field, Eastern Dharwar craton, southern India

Detailed mineralogical, bulk-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic data for the recently discovered Ahobil kimberlite (Pipe-16) from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF), Eastern Dharwar craton (EDC), southern India, are presented. Two generations of compositionally distinct olivine, Ti-poor phlogopite showing orangeitic evolutionary trends, spinel displaying magmatic trend-1, abundant perovskite, Ti-rich hydrogarnet, calcite and serpentine are the various mineral constituents. On the basis of (i) liquidus mineral composition, (ii) bulk-rock chemistry, and (iii) Sr-Nd isotopic composition, we show that Ahobil kimberlite shares several characteristic features of archetypal kimberlites than orangeites and lamproites. Geochemical modelling indicate Ahobil kimberlite magma derivation from small-degree melting of a carbonated peridotite source having higher Gd/Yb and lower La/Sm in contrast to those of orangeites from the Eastern Dharwar and Bastar cratons of Indian shield. The TDM Nd model age (∼2.0 Ga) of the Ahobil kimberlite is (i) significantly older than those (1.5–1.3 Ga) reported for Wajrakarur and Narayanpet kimberlites of EDC, (ii) indistinguishable from those of the Mesoproterozoic EDC lamproites, and (iii) strikingly coincides with the timing of the amalgamation of the Columbia supercontinent. High bulk-rock Fe-Ti contents and wide variation in oxygen fugacity fO2, as inferred from perovskite oxybarometry, suggest non-prospective nature of the Ahobil kimberlite for diamond.

Role of trace element Pedogeochemistry in Diamond Exploration- A first Report from Lattavaram Kimberlite Cluster, Wajrakarur Field, Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India

Trends in a concentration of selected trace elements in residual soils on four known diamondiferous kimberlite pipes (3, 4, 8 and 9) occurring at Lattavaram within the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) is attempted for the first time. The pipes 3 and 4 are exposed whereas the 8 and 9 are concealed under calcrete and colluvium. For this purpose, elements like Cr, Co, La, Nb, Ni, Mg, Sr and Zr are used to understand their concentrations in the kimberlitic soils in comparison with background granitic soils. It is observed that the soils on kimberlite pipes show conspicuous enrichment of elements such as Cr, Co, Nb, Ni, Mg and Sr when compared to soils in the country rock granitoid. However, no much variation in the elements La and Zr patterns between the kimberlitic and background soils is noticed. The high pulse in trace elements in kimberlitic soils is attributed to the presence of primary kimberlitic minerals in the soil. This particular aspect of pedogeochemistry is envisaged to be useful as an exploration tool in search of kimberlites in cratonic parts of southern India. An enrichment of Nb content upto 45 ppm in residual soils may be considered as anomalous in the craonic parts of Indian subcontinent, which needs to be confirmed and taken forward in conjunction with high-resolution geological mapping, geophysics and eventual drilling.

The P3 kimberlite and P4 lamproite, Wajrakarur kimberlite field, India: mineralogy, and major and minor element compositions of olivines as records of their phenocrystic vs xenocrystic origin

Distinctly different groundmass mineralogy characterise the hypabyssal facies, Mesoproterozoic diamondiferous P3 and P4 intrusions from the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, southern India. P3 is an archetypal kimberlite with macrocrysts of olivine and phlogopite set in a groundmass dominated by phlogopite and monticellite with subordinate amounts of serpentine, spinel, perovskite, apatite, calcite and rare baddeleyite. P4 contains mega- and macrocrysts of olivine set in a groundmass dominated by clinopyroxene and phlogopite with subordinate amounts of serpentine, spinel, perovskite, apatite, and occasional gittinsite, and is mineralogically interpreted as an olivine lamproite. Three distinct populations of olivine, phlogopite and clinopyroxene are recognized based on their microtextural and compositional characteristics. The first population includes glimmerite and phlogopite–clinopyroxene nodules, and Mg-rich olivine macrocrysts (Fo 90–93) which are interpreted to be derived from disaggregated mantle xenoliths. The second population comprises macrocrysts of phlogopite and Fe-rich olivine (Fo 81–89) from P3, megacrysts and macrocrysts of Fe-rich olivine (Fo 85–87) from P4 and a rare olivine–clinopyroxene nodule from P4 which are suggested to have a genetic link with the precursor melt of the respective intrusions. The third population represents clearly magmatic minerals such as euhedral phenocrysts of Fe-rich olivine (Fo 85–90) crystallised at mantle depths, and olivine overgrowth rims formed contemporaneously with groundmass minerals at crustal levels. Close spatial association and contemporaneous emplacement of P3 kimberlite and P4 lamproite is explained by a unifying petrogenetic model which involves the interaction of a silica-poor carbonatite melt with differently metasomatised wall rocks in the lithospheric mantle. It is proposed that the metasomatised wall rock for lamproite contained abundant MARID-type and phlogopite-rich metasomatic veins, while that for kimberlite was relatively refractory in nature.

Petrogenesis of a Mesoproterozoic shoshonitic lamprophyre dyke from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field, eastern Dharwar craton, southern India: Geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic evidence for a modified sub-continental lithospheric mantle source

Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Udirpikonda lamprophyre, located within the Mesoproterozoic diamondiferous Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF), towards the western margin of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Cuddapah basin are presented. The lamprophyre is characterised by a panidiomorphic-porphyritic texture imparted by clinopyroxene, olivine and biotite set in a groundmass of feldspar and spinel. Olivine occurs as the microphenocrysts with a composition range of Fo87–78. Clinopyroxenes display reverse as well as oscillatory optical zoning and are diopsidic in nature with a variation in the composition from core (Wo47 En28 Fs20Ac5) to rim (Wo46En41Fs11Ac3). Biotite (Mg#<0.6) is the only mica present and spinels are titano-magnetites showing ulvospinel- magnetite solid solution. Plagioclase is the dominant feldspar with a variable compositional range of An41–8Ab82–56Or33–3. Based on the mineralogy, the lamprophyre can be classified to be of calc-alkaline variety but its geochemistry display mixed signals of both alkaline and calc-alkaline lamprophyres. K2O/Na2O ranges from 1.49 to 2.79, making it distinctly potassic and highlights its shoshonitic character. Moderate Mg# (60–65), Ni (110–200ppm) and Cr (110–260ppm) contents in the bulk-rock indicate substantial fractional crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene. Fractionated chondrite normalized REE patterns (average (La/Yb)N=37.56) indicates involvement of an enriched mantle source from within the garnet stability field whereas slightly negative Ta-Nb-Ti and Hf anomalies displayed on the primitive mantle normalized multi-element spider gram highlight involvement of a subducted component in the mantle source. Given the spatial disposition of the studied lamprophyre, the age of the emplacement is considered to be coeval with WKF kimberlites (~1.1Ga) and the initial 143Nd/144Nd (0.510065–0.510192) and 87Sr/86Sr (0.705333–0.706223) are strikingly similar to those observed for the Smoky Butte lamproites, Montana, USA. Fluid-related subduction enrichment of the mantle source is apparent from the enriched ratios of La/Nb, Ba/Nb and (Hf/Sm)N, (Ta/La)N<1. Petrogenetic modelling reveals melt generation from 1 to 2% partial melting of an enriched mantle source that subsequently underwent fractional crystallization. Our study provides geochemical and isotopic evidence for a sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) modified by subduction and asthenospheric upwelling in the Eastern Dharwar Craton. The partial melting of a resulting heterogeneous Eastern Dharwar Craton SCLM to generate Udiripikonda lamprophyre and Wajrakarur kimberlites has been attributed to the Mesoproterozoic regional lithospheric extension event.

Mineralogy of the TK1 and TK4 ‘kimberlites’ in the Timmasamudram cluster, Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, India: Implications for lamproite magmatism in a field of kimberlites and ultramafic lamprophyres

A mineralogical study of the hypabyssal facies, late Cretaceous macrocrystic pulse of TK1 intrusion and the Mesoproterozoic aphanitic pulse of TK4 intrusion in the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field of southern India shows that the rocks contain macrocrysts of forsteritic olivine, phenocrysts and microphenocrysts of Al–Na-poor diopside and phlogopite set in a groundmass mainly of Al–Na-poor diopside and phlogopite. Other groundmass minerals are spinel, perovskite and fluorapatite in TK1, and spinel, titanite, chlorite, calcite and gittinsite in TK4. K-richterite and perovskite occur only as inclusions in phlogopite and titanite, respectively in TK4. Late-stage deuteric phases include pyrite and barite in TK1, and strontianite, chalcopyrite, galena and pentlandite in TK4. Diopside microphenocrysts in TK4 exhibit oscillatory zoning with characteristics of diffusion controlled magmatic growth. TK1 spinels show magmatic trend 2 that evolves from magnesiochromite and culminates in titaniferous magnetite, whereas TK4 spinels are less evolved with magnesiochromite composition only. TK1 phlogopites show a simple compositional trend that is typical of lamproite micas, while four distinct growth zones are observed in TK4 phlogopites with the following compositional characteristics: zone I: high Cr2O3 and TiO2 and low BaO; zone II: low Cr2O3; zone III: low TiO2 and high BaO; zone IV: low BaO. Forsterite contents and trace element concentrations reveal two xenocrystic core populations and one magmatic rim population for TK1 olivines. Mineralogically, both TK1 and TK4 are classified as diopside–phlogopite lamproites rather than archetypal kimberlites. The two lamproites are considered to have formed from the same parent magma but crystallised under distinct oxygen fugacity conditions. With elevated content of Fe3+ in phlogopite, spinel and perovskite, TK1 appears to have crystallised in a relatively high oxygen fugacity environment. Multiple growth generations of phlogopite, spinel and fluorapatite in TK4 indicate a complex evolutionary history of the magma. Close spatial and temporal associations of Mesoproterozoic kimberlites and lamproites in southern India can possibly be explained by a unifying model which accounts for the generation of diverse magmas from a range of geochemical resevoirs in a continental rift setting.

Petrology, genesis and geodynamic implication of the Mesoproterozoic–Late Cretaceous Timmasamudram kimberlite cluster, Wajrakarur field, Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India

New mineralogical and bulk-rock geochemical data for the recently recognised Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1100 Ma) and late Cretaceous (ca. 90 Ma) kimberlites in the Timmasamudram cluster (TKC) of the Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF), Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India, are presented. On the basis of groundmass mineral chemistry (phlogopite, spinel, perovskite and clinopyroxene), bulk-rock chemistry (SiO2, K2O, low TiO2, Ba/Nb and La/Sm), and perovskite Nd isotopic compositions, the TK-1 (macrocrystic variety) and TK-4 (Macrocrystic variety) kimberlites in this cluster are here classified as orangeites (i.e. Group II kimberlites), with geochemical characteristics that are very similar to orangeites previously described from the Bastar Craton in central India, as well as the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa. The remaining kimberlites (e.g., TK-2, TK-3 and the TK-1 microcrystic variant), are more similar to other 1100 Ma, Group I-type kimberlites of the Eastern Dharwar Craton, as well as the typical Group I kimberlites of the Kaapvaal Craton. Through the application of geochemical modelling, based on published carbonated peridotite/melt trace element partition coefficients, we show that the generation of the TKC kimberlites and the orangeites results from low degrees of partial melting of a metasomatised, carbonated peridotite.Depleted mantle (TDM) Nd perovskite model ages of the 1100 Ma Timmasamudram kimberlites show that the metasomatic enrichment of their source regions are broadly similar to that of the Mesoproterozoic kimberlites of the EDC. The younger, late Cretaceous (ca. 90 Ma) TK-1 (macrocrystic variant) and TK-4 kimberlites, as well as the orangeites from the Bastar Craton, share similar Nd model ages of 1100 Ma, consistent with a similarity in the timing of source enrichment during the amalgamation of Rodinia supercontinent. The presence of late Cretaceous diamondiferous orangeite activity, presumably related to the location of the Marion hotspot in southern India at the time, suggests that thick lithosphere was preserved, at least locally, up to the late Cretaceous, and was not entirely destroyed during the breakup of Gondwana, as inferred by some recent geophysical models.

A Late Cretaceous (ca. 90 Ma) kimberlite event in southern India: Implication for sub-continental lithospheric mantle evolution and diamond exploration

We report groundmass perovskite U–Pb (SIMS) ages, perovskite Nd isotopic (LA-ICPMS) composition and bulk-rock geochemical data of the Timmasamudram diamondiferous kimberlite cluster, Wajrakarur kimberlite field, in the Eastern Dharwar craton of southern India. The kimberlite pipes gave similar Mesoproterozoic ages of 1086±19Ma (TK-1, microcrystic variant) and 1119±12Ma (TK-3). However, a perovskite population sampled from the macrocrystic variant of TK-1 gave a much younger Late Cretaceous age of ca. 90Ma. This macrocrystic kimberlite phase intrudes the Mesoproterozoic microcrystic phase and has a distinct bulk-rock geochemistry. The Nd-isotope composition of the ~1100Ma perovskites in the cluster show depleted εNd(T) values of 2.1±0.6 to 6.7±0.3 whereas the ~90Ma perovskites have enriched εNd(T) values of −6.3±1.3. The depleted-mantle (DM) model age of the Cretaceous perovskites is 1.2Ga, whereas the DM model age of the Proterozoic perovskites is 1.2 to 1.5Ga. Bulk-rock incompatible trace element ratios (La/Sm, Gd/Lu, La/Nb and Th/Nb) of all Timmasamudram kimberlites show strong affinity with those from the Cretaceous Group II kimberlites from the Bastar craton (India) and Kaapvaal craton (southern Africa). As the Late Cretaceous age of the younger perovskites from the TK-1 kimberlite is indistinguishable from that of the Marion hotspot-linked extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks from Madagascar and India, we infer that all may be part of a single Madagascar Large Igneous Province. Our finding constitutes the first report of Cretaceous kimberlite activity from southern India and has significant implications for its sub-continental lithospheric mantle evolution and diamond exploration programs.