Influence of the Sulfur Concentration in a Fe–S Melt on Diamond Preservation under P–T Conditions of the Earth’s Mantle

Abstract

The results of experiments on dissolution of diamond in a Fe melt with variable concentrations of S at high P–T parameters are presented. It is established that the maximal degree of diamond dissolution occurs at a sulfur concentration of 15 wt %. With decreasing or increasing S content, dissolution of diamond slows down and almost does not occur during the period of the experiment (60 min), when the “eutectic” composition is gained. In contrast to a pure Fe melt, the presence of S decreases the carbon solubility and, therefore, reduces the aggressiveness of metal melt in relation to diamonds, thus, stimulating their preservation in the Earth’s mantle, especially if the concentration of S exceeds that in the “eutectic” composition.