GIA Diamond Formation, Mining, and the Diamond Market 3

Question 1

Lamproite pipes are volcanic structures that, like kimberlites, can host diamonds. Which famous deposit is associated with lamproite?

Accepted Answer

Argyle mine in Australia

Answer

The Argyle mine in Western Australia is the world's most productive diamond mine by volume and is hosted in a lamproite pipe.

Question 2

During the diamond sorting process, rough diamonds are primarily separated by:

Accepted Answer

Size, shape, quality, and color

Answer

Rough diamond sorting classifies stones into thousands of categories based on size, shape, quality, and color to determine their best use.

Question 3

What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) designed to prevent?

Accepted Answer

Trade in conflict diamonds used to finance rebel movements

Answer

The KPCS is an international governmental certification scheme launched in 2003 to stop the flow of conflict (blood) diamonds.

Question 4

Which term describes diamonds found embedded in the host rock of a kimberlite pipe before excavation?

Accepted Answer

Primary deposit

Answer

Primary deposits are diamonds found in their original igneous host rock, such as kimberlite or lamproite, before erosion.

Question 5

Sub-level caving is a form of underground mining used when:

Accepted Answer

The kimberlite orebody extends too deep for open-pit operations

Answer

Sub-level caving is used in deep underground kimberlite mines where open-pit methods are no longer economically viable.

(GIA) Certified Diamonds Gemological Institute of America Practice Test