Kimberlite Kimberley Mine South Africa [Big Hole]

Kimberlite Rock Specimen from the Historic "Big Hole" Mine

This impressive kimberlite rock specimen hails from the renowned, now-closed "Big Hole" open-pit Kimberley mine in South Africa. Known as the second-largest hand-excavated hole, this specimen holds immense historical value. Between 1871 and 1914, approximately 50,000 miners dug tirelessly with picks and shovels, unearthing an astounding 6,000 pounds of diamonds. This rock serves as a tangible reminder of the remarkable mining achievements of that era.

Geological Importance

Kimberlite is an igneous rock, often bearing diamonds, named after the town of Kimberley, South Africa. Called initially New Rush, the town quickly developed from a barren landscape into a bustling frontier. In June 1873, New Rush was renamed Kimberley.

The 1869 discovery of the Star of South Africa Diamond (83.5 carats - 16.70 g) sparked a diamond rush, creating the "Big Hole" open-pit mine. The morphology of kimberlite pipes, with their classical carrot-shaped brecciated fragments, results from explosive diatreme volcanism originating from deep mantle sources. These volcanic explosions produced vertical columns of rock rising from deep magma reservoirs.

Mineral Composition

This kimberlite specimen typically contains ilmenite, chromite, and garnet. Exquisite olivine crystals are also visible, one of the earliest minerals to crystallize in kimberlite magmas.

Specifications

• Size: 54mm L x 53mm W x 11mm D
• Weight: 76.9 grams
• Note: A light coating was applied for photographic purposes and can be easily removed with soapy water.
• Legality: This material was legally collected before 1980.

Included with Purchase

Each purchase includes detailed information, a Certificate of Authenticity, a tag, and a tag stand. Please note that the photo cube is not included. XRF analysis is included.

Why This Specimen is Important

This kimberlite specimen is from the famous "Big Hole" mine. It is a significant addition to any geological collection, offering South Africa geology history, scientific value, and kimberlite mining history.

This Big Hole kimberlite was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, information, and XRF.