The principal morphogenetic characteristics of kimberlite indicator minerals

The article provides information on the morphology and morphogenesis of minerals from kimberlites and their scattering halos. The principal morphogenetic characteristics of the main kimberlite indicator minerals are discussed in detail. The most common types of microrelief on the minerals, their diagnostic features, and the genesis are described. Physiographic investigations play the basic role in studying the kimberlite minerals from heavy mineral concentrate scattering halos during geological prospecting for diamond. Knowledge of the genesis of the macro- and micromorphology of kimberlite minerals allows one to suggest the physical and chemical conditions of the mineral formation. This helps to reconstruct the succession of stages of the entire mineral assemblage morphogenesis and to trace the history of the scattering halos development. The new information presented may help specialists engaged in prospecting and forecasting for diamond deposits, among other tasks, to determine the genesis of surfaces on the minerals and to clarify their formation conditions. Morphological features of the kimberlite indicator minerals may serve as a chronological reference point that allows to reveal a chronological succession of supergene transformations in the mineral matter.