KIMBERLITE PIPES

Diamonds form deep inside the Earth, but they can reach the surface through volcanic pipes

UPPER MANTLE

Most diamonds originate in this layer, deep below Earth’s crust.

VOLCANIC PIPE

A volcanic eruption from the mantle can create a vertical pipe all the way to the surface.

DIAMOND FORMATION

Diamonds form at depths of around 100 miles, where the temperature and pressure are sufficiently high.

ACCESSIBLE DIAMONDS

The right combination of circumstances can produce a kimberlite pipe, which brings diamonds within reach of the surface.

NON-DIAMONDBEARING PIPE

Unfortunately, the majority of volcanic pipes don’t contain diamonds.