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Date submitted2024-03-11
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Date accepted2024-09-24
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Date published2024-12-06
Comparative analysis of nitrogen and carbon isotopic fractionation during diamond formation based on β-factor determination
- Authors:
- Dmitrii P. Krylov
First quantitative estimates are presented for nitrogen isotopic fractionation during diamond crystallization with respect to nitrogen-bearing fluid components using quantum-mechanical (DFT) calculations on the defect (with the substitutional nitrogen) diamond lattice. Provided equilibrium isotopic fractionation, 15N/14N ratio decreases within the sequence of compounds NH4+ > N2 > (diamond, NH3) > CH3N > CN− > NH2. At temperatures of 1,100 to 1,200 °C fractionation among diamond and fluid N-compounds are estimated at –2.23, –0.77, 0.01, 0.44, 1.31 and 2.85 ‰ and substantially (over 1 ‰) exceed the already available estimates based on the modeling diamond C-N bonds by analogy with HCN or CN – molecules. Depending on the dominant nitrogen and carbon substance in the mineral-forming fluid, diamond formation can be accompanied by different isotope compositional trends, as expressed either by zoned patterns within individual diamond grains or by isotopic δ15N vs δ13C covariations during successive crystallization. Provided the dominance of NH3 component (the reduced conditions, high pressures and the cold geotherm) nitrogen isotope fractionation between diamond and fluid does not exceed 0.1-0.2 ‰ and the isotope shifts at temperature ca. 1100 °C Δ15N << Δ13C. In nitrogen depleted reduced mantle fluids possible existence of compounds with low heavy isotope affinity at temperature of diamond formation (especially NH2) implies high isotope fractionation between diamond and the fluid and hence, evolved Δ15N/Δ13C ratios. Oxidized fluids dominated by CO2 or CO3 coupled with N2 component are characterized by close to zero Δ15N/Δ13C ratios as inferred by prevailing carbon isotope fractionation with respect to nitrogen isotopes, the latter change considerably with nitrogen distribution coefficient among diamond and the growth media.
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Date submitted2024-05-03
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Date accepted2024-10-14
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Date published2024-11-12
Genetic geological model of diamond-bearing fluid magmatic system
The article proposes a genetic geological model of diamond deposit formation associated with kimberlites and lamproites. It is based on the synthesis of published data on diamond-bearing kimberlite systems and an original study of the ontogenetic features of diamond crystals. Deep diamond crystallization, its upward transportation and subsequent concentration in near-surface kimberlite-lamproite bodies and other rocks, including those brought to the surface by high-amplitude uplifts of crystalline basement rocks, are combined in a single system. An assumption is made about the primary sources of the Anabar placer diamonds. The possibility of hydrocarbon generation at mantle levels corresponding to diamond formation areas and their transportation to the upper crustal zones by a mechanism similar to the mantle-crust migration of diamond-bearing fluidized magmas is shown. The high rate of their upward movement allows transportation to the surface without significant loss as a result of dissolution in melts and sorption on the surface of mineral phases. The significant role of fluid dynamics at all stages of this system is noted.
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Date submitted2023-02-10
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2024-04-25
Depth distribution of radiation defects in irradiated diamonds by confocal Raman spectroscopy
Five colored diamonds were investigated. According to the results of the study by FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, they are natural type Ia diamonds. The depth distribution of the color intensity was carried out by measuring the intensity of the PL peak at 741 nm (GR1 center) upon excitation by a laser with a wavelength of 633 nm of Raman Confocal microscope. To minimise the perturbation due to geometrical effects, defect distribution profiles were normalised with respect to diamond Raman peak intensity (691 nm) point by point. For two diamonds, the intensity of the GR1 peak (741 nm) sharply decreased to a depth of 10 µm, and then became equal to the background level, which is typical for irradiation with alpha particles from natural sources like uranium. In other diamonds, the profiles vary slightly with depth, and the color intensity is close to uniform, which is for irradiation with accelerated electrons or neutrons. The source of radiation has not been determined. However, long duration radioactivity measurements of the diamonds suggested that neutrons were not used for colour centers production in the diamonds studied.
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Date submitted2023-04-29
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Date accepted2023-10-11
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Date published2023-10-27
Pink-violet diamonds from the Lomonosov mine: morphology, spectroscopy, nature of colour
The article presents the results of the first comprehensive study of mineralogical and spectroscopic (IR, PL, EPR) characteristics of diamonds from the Lomonosov mine (Arkhangelskaya pipe) with a unique pink, pink-violet colour. It is shown that all crystals belong to the IaA type, with a total nitrogen content in the range of 500-1500 ppm, with a low degree of aggregation. The colour is heterogeneous, concentrated in narrow twin layers. It is presumably caused by the previously described M2 centres. The colour shade is affected by the content of P1 paramagnetic centres (C-defect). A positive correlation is observed between the colour saturation and the intensity of W7 paramagnetic centres. A convergent model of the formation of pink diamonds is assumed, according to which the determining factors are the ratio and concentration of structural impurities in the diamond, its thermal history, and conditions of plastic deformation, and not the origin of the diamond and the petrochemical properties of its host rocks.
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Date submitted2022-11-29
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Date accepted2023-03-02
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Date published2023-10-27
New data on the composition of growth medium of fibrous diamonds from the placers of the Western Urals
This article presents the results of studying microinclusions of fluids/melts in diamonds from the placers of the Krasnovishersky District (western slope of the Middle/Northern Urals), which make it possible to establish the evolution of diamond-forming media in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the eastern margin of the East European craton. Impurity composition of the studied crystals reveals three different types of diamonds, the formation of which was associated with separated metasomatic events. Microinclusions in B-type diamonds containing A and B nitrogen defects reflect an older metasomatic stage characterized by the leading role of silicic and low-Mg carbonatitic fluids/melts. The second stage is associated with the growth of A-type diamonds containing nitrogen exclusively in the form of A-centers. At this stage, the formation of diamonds was related with low-Mg carbonatitic media, more enriched in MgO, CaO, CO2, and Na2O compared to B-type diamonds. The third stage probably preceded the eruption of the transporting mantle melt and led to the formation of C-type diamond containing A and C nitrogen defect centers and microinclusions of silicic to low-Mg carbonatitic composition. The recorded trend in the evolution of diamond-forming fluids/melts is directed towards more carbonatitic compositions. Fluids/melts are probably sourced from eclogitic and pyroxenitic mantle substrates.
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Date submitted2022-09-26
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Date accepted2023-03-23
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Date published2023-12-25
A new diamond find and primary diamond potential of the Chetlas uplift (Middle Timan)
In the previously poorly studied southeastern part of the Chetlas uplift in the Middle Timan, a new occurrence of diamond satellite minerals and a diamond grain were found in the modern channel sediments of the Uvuy River basin. In order to assess the prospects of the area under consideration for identification of diamondiferous objects of practical interest, a characteristic of chromium-bearing pyropes and chromospinelides as the main kimberlite of diamond satellite minerals are given and the diamond grain itself is described. The material for the research was 16 schlich samples, each with a volume of 8 to 15 l. The minerals were studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser luminescence and X-ray diffraction (Debye – Sherrer method). It is shown that among the pyropes, most of which correspond in composition to minerals of the lherzolite paragenesis, there are varieties belonging to the dunite-harzburgite paragenesis, including those belonging to diamond phase stability regions. Among the studied chromospinelides, chrompicotites and aluminochromites similar in composition to those found in rocks such as lherzolites and harzburgites, as well as in kimberlites, were identified. A diamond grain found in one of the samples has the form of a flattened intergrowth with distinct octahedron faces, complicated by co-growth surfaces with other mineral grains that have not been preserved to date. The discovery of the diamond and the established signs the formation of aureoles of the diamond satellites minerals in the channel sediments of the studied area open up the prospects for discovering their primary sources here.
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Date submitted2022-12-01
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Date accepted2023-01-19
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Date published2023-12-25
Inclusions of diamond crystals in the tourmaline of the schorl-uvite series: problems of genesis
The mineralogical and geochemical features of diamond-bearing tourmaline crystals (schorl-uvite series) from garnet-clinopyroxene rocks of the Kumdy-Kol deposit (Northern Kazakhstan) have been studied in detail. The formation of the main rock-forming minerals (garnet + K-bearing clinopyroxene) occurred in the diamond stability field at 4-6 GPa and 950-1000 °C. Crystallization of K-bearing clinopyroxene at these parameters is possible in the presence of an ultra-potassic fluid or melt formed because of crustal material melting in subduction zones. Tourmaline crystals (up to 1 cm) containing diamond inclusions perform veins crosscutting high-pressure associations. The composition of individual zones varies from schorl to uvite within both a single grain and the sample as a whole. The potassium content in this tourmaline does not exceed 0.1 wt.% K2O, and the isotopic composition of boron δ11B varies from –10 to –15.5 ‰, which significantly differs from the previously established isotopic composition of boron in maruyamaite crystals (δ11B 7.7 ‰ in the core and –1.2 ‰ in the rim) of the same deposit. Analysis of the obtained data on δ11B in the tourmalines from the diamond-grade metamorphic rocks within the Kumdy-Kol deposit suggests the existence of two boron sources that resulted in crystallization of K-bearing tourmaline crystals (maruyamaite-dravite series) and potassium-free tourmalines of the schorl-uvite series.
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Date submitted2022-04-08
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Date accepted2023-03-02
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Date published2023-04-25
Geochemical properties and transformation of the microelement composition of soils during the development of primary diamond deposits in Yakutia
Extraction of diamonds from primary deposits in Siberia is associated with the development of kimberlite pipes in challenging environmental conditions, accompanied by a complex impact on the environment. The article presents the results of monitoring the soil cover of the Nakyn kimberlite field in the Yakutia diamond province, which is affected by the facilities of the Nyurba Mining and Processing Division. Development of primary diamond deposits has a large-scale impact on the subsoil, topography, and soil cover: creation of the world's largest quarries, formation of dumps more than 100 m high, arrangement of extensive tailings, formation of solid and liquid industrial wastes of various chemical composition. The research is aimed at studying the spatial and temporal patterns of the technogenic impact on the soil cover, identifying the nature and level of transformation of the microelement composition of soils based on the analysis of the intra-profile and lateral distribution of mobile forms of trace elements. The study targets in 2007-2018 were zonal types of permafrost soils of northern taiga landscapes, cryozems, occupying 84 % of the total study area, which are characterized by biogenic accumulation of mobile forms of Ni, Mn, and Cd in the upper AO, A cr horizons, and Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Cu in the suprapermafrost CR horizon. We found out that the contamination of the soil cover of the industrial site at the Nyurba Mining and Processing Division is of a multielement nature with local highly to very highly contaminated areas. Over a ten-year observation period, areas of stable soil contamination are formed, where the main pollutants are mobile forms of Mn, Zn, Ni. We suggest that against the background of a natural geochemical anomaly associated with trap and kimberlite magmatism, technogenic anomalies are formed in the surface horizons of soils. They are spatially linked to technogenically transformed landscapes. One of the sources of pollutants is the dispersion of the solid phase of dust emissions in the direction of the prevailing winds, which leads to the formation of soils with abnormally high contents of mobile forms of Mn, Zn, Ni.
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Date submitted2022-11-06
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Date accepted2022-11-29
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Date published2022-12-29
Technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation fuel and energy complex
- Authors:
- Oleg V. Zhdaneev
The review to achieve technological sovereignty of the Russian fuel and energy complex (FEC) in the ongoing geopolitical situation is presented in the article. The main scope has been to identify the key technology development priorities, restrictions and internal resources to overcome these utilizing the developed by the author the innovative methodology that consists of novel approaches to calculate level of local content, digitalization, business continuity andinteractions with military-industrial complex. Some organizational changes have been proposed to intensify the development of hi-tech products for the FEC and related industries, including establishment of the state committee for science and technology and the project office of lead engineers for the critical missing technologies. Two successful examples to utilize the described in the paper methodology is presented: the first domestic hydraulic fracturing fleet and polycrystalline diamond compact cutter bit inserts.
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Date submitted2022-04-13
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Thermal history of diamond from Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I kimberlite pipes
This work studies and compares the main morphological, structural, and mineralogical features of 350 diamond crystals from the Karpinsky-I and 300 crystals of the Arkhangelskaya kimberlite pipes. The share of crystals of octahedral habit together with individual crystals of transitional forms with sheaf-like and splintery striation is higher in the Arkhangelskaya pipe and makes 15 %. The share of cuboids and tetrahexahedroids is higher in the Karpinsky-I pipe and stands at 14 %. The share of dodecahedroids in the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I pipes are 60 % and 50 %, respectively. The indicator role of the nitrogen-vacancy N3 center active in absorption and luminescence is shown. Crystals with the N3 absorption system have predominantly octahedral habit or dissolution forms derived from the octahedra. Their thermal history is the most complex. Absorption bands of the lowest-temperature hydrogen-containing defects (3050, 3144, 3154, 3188, 3310 cm −1 , 1388, 1407, 1432, 1456, 1465, 1503, 1551, 1563 cm −1 ), are typical for crystals without N3 system, where in the absorption spectra nitrogen is in the form of low-temperature A and C defects. The above mentioned bands are registered in the spectra of 16 % and 42 % of crystals from the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I pipes, respectively. The diamond of the studied deposits is unique in the minimum temperature (duration) of natural annealing. Based on a set of features, three populations of crystals were distinguished, differing in growth conditions, post-growth, and thermal histories. The established regularities prove the multi-stage formation of diamond deposits in the north of the East European Platform and significant differences from the diamonds of the Western Cisurals. The results suggest the possibility of the existence of primary deposits dominated by diamonds from one of the identified populations.
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Date submitted2022-05-04
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Prospecting models of primary diamond deposits of the north of the East European Platform
As a result of a comprehensive study of the geological structure and diamond presense of the northern part of the East European Platform, generalization of the data accumulated by various organizations in the USSR, the Russian Federation, and other states, three main prospecting models of primary diamond deposits have been identified and characterized: Karelian, Finnish, and Arkhangelsk. Geological, structural, mineralogical, and petrographic criteria of local prediction, as well as the features of the response of kimberlite and lamproite bodies in dispersion haloes and geophysical fields, are considered using known examples, including data on the developed M.V.Lomonosov and V.P.Grib mines. It is shown that the most complicated prospecting environments occur in the covered areas of the Russian Plate, where, in some cases, the primary diamond-bearing rocks are similar in their petrophysical properties to the host formations. The buried dispersion haloes of kimberlite minerals in the continental Carboniferous and Quaternary deposits are traced at a short distance from the sources. Differences in the prospecting features of magnesian (Lomonosov mine) and ferromagnesian (Grib mine) kimberlites are also shown. Conclusions about the diamond potential of the model objects of various types are given in this paper.
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Date submitted2022-01-28
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Date accepted2022-04-26
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Date published2022-07-26
On the presence of the postmagmatic stage of diamond formation in kimberlites
- Authors:
- Sergey K. Simakov
- Yuri B. Stegnitskiy
On nowadays multiphase and the facies heterogeneity of the formations are distinguished at the study of kimberlite pipes. Most researchers associate the formation of diamonds only with the mantle source. To date, satellite minerals with specific compositions associated with kimberlite diamonds have been identified as deep mantle diamond association. They are extracted from the concentrate of the kimberlites heavy fraction and may reflect the diamond grade of the pipe. For some minerals in the diamond association, however, they can not be reliable. Some researchers also revealed shallow diamond associations, related to the formation of serpentine, calcite, apatite, and phlogopite. There is recent data on the formation of diamonds in rocks of the oceanic crust. In the last years microdiamonds were identified in chromites of the oceanic crust in association with antigorite formed at 350-650 °C and 0.1-1.6 GPa. As a result, the authors established a postmagmatic kimberlitic stage of diamond formation associated with secondary mineral associations based on the experimental and mineralogical data for the conditions of the shallow upper mantle and crust. Mineralogical and petrographic studies of Angolan kimberlite pipe show that antigorite is the indicator mineral of this stage.
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Date submitted2021-06-10
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Date accepted2021-07-27
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Date published2021-10-21
Defects of diamond crystal structure as an indicator of crystallogenesis
- Authors:
- Evgeny A. Vasilev
Based on the study of a representative collections of diamonds from diamondiferous formations of the Urals and deposits of the Arkhangelsk and Yakutian diamond provinces, we established patterns of zonal and sectoral distribution of crystal structure defects in crystals of different morphological types, identified the specifics of crystals formed at different stages of crystallogenesis and performed a comprehensive analysis of constitutional and population diversity of diamonds in different formations. We identified three stages in the crystallogenesis cycle, which correspond to normal and tangential mechanisms of growth and the stage of changing crystal habit shape. At the stage of changing crystal habit shape, insufficient carbon supersaturation obstructs normal growth mechanism, and the facets develop from existing surfaces. Due to the absent stage of growth layer nucleation, formation of new {111} surfaces occurs much faster compared to tangential growth mechanism. This effect allows to explain the absence of cuboids with highly transformed nitrogen defects at the A-B 1 stage: they have all been refaceted by a regenerative mechanism. Based on the revealed patterns, a model of diamond crystallogenesis was developed, which takes into account the regularities of growth evolution, thermal history and morphological diversity of the crystals. The model implies the possibility of a multiply repetitive crystallization cycle and the existence of an intermediate chamber; it allows to explain the sequence of changes in morphology and defect-impurity composition of crystals, as well as a combination of constitutional and population diversity of diamonds from different geological formations.
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Date submitted2019-06-28
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Date accepted2019-09-03
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Date published2019-12-24
Development of a drilling process control technique based on a comprehensive analysis of the criteria
- Authors:
- V. V. Neskoromnykh
- M. S. Popova
Compliance with drilling operations requirements is achieved by introducing advanced approaches to the management of the drilling process. Main requirement is to reduce the time and material costs for construction of the well. Increase in drilling speed is provided by rational selection of rock cutting tools and modes of its use. Development of a new generation of rock cutting tools is a complex process and requires systematic, integrated approach. In order for high costs of developing and manufacturing the tool to pay off without significantly increasing the cost of drilling, considerable attention should be paid to scientifically justified methods for its running. At well drilling using bottomhole telemetry systems with full computer support for the drilling process, there is a reasonable possibility of using a control technique based on objective results of the drilling process coming directly from the bottomhole of the well in real time. Use of a full factorial experiment is justified for processing data that affect drilling performance. Aim of the research is to develop a drilling process management technique based on a comprehensive analysis of criteria online. Objects of research: rock destruction mechanism during drilling; parameters affecting the process of well drilling; optimization of well drilling processes. The research used the following: experimental drilling with a diamond tool at the bench, method of a full factorial experiment, analytical studies. Article highlights the factors affecting the performance of a diamond rock cutting tool in the process of drilling a well, notes main criteria affecting the efficiency of the drilling process. It also describes mechanism of volumetric destruction, defines the conditions for the destruction of rock at various drilling modes and the dependence of the change in deepening per round on the parameters of the drilling modes. Technique of controlling the parameters of the drilling mode is considered, which allows determining indirectly the mode of rock destruction at the bottomhole of the well and choosing optimal values of the parameters for the drilling mode that correspond to the most favorable conditions.
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Date submitted2017-11-16
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Date accepted2018-01-16
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Date published2018-04-24
Volume and surface distribution of radiation defect in natural diamonds
- Authors:
- E. A. Vasilev
- A. V. Kozlov
- V. A. Petrovskii
In the following article, we have studied the variations of natural irradiation of diamond crystals. The natural diamonds in some cases show homogeneous green colour, caused by irradiation of the entire crystals volume. Radiation damage effects, produced by the low-radiation doses, are detected by the luminescence of the GR1 system. The high-radiation doses cause bluish hue, turning into a greenish colour, while the maximum level of volume irradiation produces the black crystals. The crystals with homogeneous volumetric black colour distribution were also studied. The major source of radiation in such cases may represent a local stream containing water rich in 222 Rn and its decay products. There is a review of the geological environment in which diamonds could be irradiated due to the decay of the 222 Rn containing in water.
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Date submitted2010-07-27
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Date accepted2010-09-09
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Date published2011-03-21
Utilization of enrichment waste of diamondiferous rock accounting peculiarities of M.V.Lomonosov deposit
- Authors:
- A. Yu. Oblitsov
In given article the questions of enrichment waste utilization of M.V.Lomonosov diamond deposit are considered taking in account some important peculiarities of this deposit and prospective of obtaining building materials on basis of enrichment waste products is stated.
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Date submitted2010-07-18
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Date accepted2010-09-20
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Date published2011-03-21
Analyses of technologcal characteristics of diamond drilling of hard rock
- Authors:
- V. G. Gorelikov
- Van Dong Vu
The classification of different diamond bit types for drilling of jointed rock is offered. It is based on two predominant types of wear: mechanical and thermo physical. The facial and lateral on matrix body as well as cracks along the matrix body, spalling of the matrix sectors and normal wear are attributed to the mechanical type of wear. The proposed classification includes main types of wear at jointed rocks drilling and creates the grounds for the designing of rock-distributing tool more resistant to mechanical and thermo physical wear.
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Date submitted2008-11-02
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Date accepted2009-01-17
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Date published2009-12-11
Problems of development of the diamond complex on company «ALROS»
- Authors:
- V. M. Vasiltsova
- A. K. Belov
Diamond complex – one of the economy sectors, the kept potential of the expanded reproduction in the conditions of crisis. Russia, along with the republic of South Africa, Australia, Zaire, Botswana, Angola and Namibia is included into number of seven largest diamond-mining countries of the world and takes the second place in the world on volume of extraction of diamonds, being the world leader on stocks of diamond raw materials. Reserves of increase of efficiency at the separate enterprises and branch as a whole are revealed. Problems of strengthening of position of object of research on internal and a foreign market are defined.
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Date submitted2008-10-02
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Date accepted2008-12-18
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Date published2009-12-11
New data on infrared spectroscopy of diamonds from industrial deposits of Yakutia
- Authors:
- I. N. Bogush
- S. I. Mityukhin
- E. A. Vasiliev
Results of investigation of large diamond samples from main primary and some placer deposits of Yakutia by FTIR is given. Comparison of various characteristics indicates that maximal difference for samples of diamonds from different sources and minimal diversity for different samples from one source have average values of absorption coefficient and maximum positions of B2 absorption band. The revealed parameters are proposed to be used during comparative analysis of diamonds of different kimberlite pipes, determination of the initial source of placer diamonds, forecasting of new sources.
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Date submitted2008-10-21
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Date accepted2008-12-10
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Date published2009-12-11
Prediction and prospecting types of reflection of buried kimberlite fields in terrigenous diamond-bearing rocks
- Authors:
- V. N. Ustinov
On the basis of complex of lithologic-stratigraphic, mineralogical, facial-dynamic, paleogeomorphologic and morphogenetic features of post-kimberlitic terrigenous diamond-bearing rocks and reconstructed synchronous relief three prediction and prospecting types of reflection of buried kimberlite fields are distinguished. It is shown that ranging of diamondiferous territories to various types enables to direct exploration works to discovery of diamond deposits of the certain origin and makes possible to select proper prospecting technique. With the use of suggested criteria of research of promising territories the evaluation of diamond presence in the industrial regions of the Siberian, East-European and African-Arabian platforms is carried out.