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There are two main types of diamond deposits:
• Primary deposits:

These are diamondiferous pipes which are bodies of solidified Kimberlite or Lamproite. It is interesting to note that diamonds do not form in these volcanic bodies but are merely transported to the
surface in them.

• Secondary deposits:

These are deposits that contain diamonds which have weather worn out of the host body and then travelled some distance from their original source. For example, the diamonds that are now found in Namibia have travelled over 1,500  kilometres from their original source in southern Africa.

Diamonds are mined in over 20 countries around the world and they can be found in remote deserts, frozen tundra and even ocean beds. However, main production comes from Botswana, Russia, South
Africa, Canada and Australia.

Diamond mining methods include open-cast mining, alluvial, underground mining and marine mining. In general terms, only about 20% of the volumes of all diamonds mined are good enough quality to be used for jewellery.

Every pipe in the world produces different qualities and quantities but generally even a profitable mine removes over one tonne of host rock to produce one carat of gem quality diamonds

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