Combination processes of diamond recovery from metasomatically altered kimberlite rocks

Abstract

The article gives new experimental data on chemistry, phase composition, structure and physicochemical properties of surface of minerals composing metasomatically altered kimberlite rocks. The authors have determined formation conditions and basic genetic types of mineral micro- and nano-size phases on diamond surface in the form of aluminosilicate minerals, thin coats of clayey minerals, calcite and dolomite bound with carbonate cement, as well as their negative effect on recovery of diamonds by foam separation. The mechanisms and efficient methods of combined energy effects on the natural heterogeneous system of diamond and surface mineral phase are found to rupture hydrophilic mineral films on diamond surface, prevent their repeated formation and reduce diamond loss in processing of diamond-bearing kimberlites.