Diamond - Notes

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Detailed Information Dossier
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diamond In India
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Geological Survey of India

2011
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© India, Geological Survey (2011)

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Printed by the order of the Director General, Geological Survey of India, 27, J. L. Nehru Road, Kolkata 700 016
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Cover
Front : Photomicrograph of Titanian phlogopites lamproite highly fractured olivine macrocryst in a very fine grained
groundmass and diamonds from Dharwar Craton
Back : Cratonic Blocks of India (modified after Radhakrishna, 1989) showing locations of Kimberlites / Lamproites
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CONTENTS
PART - I : GENERAL INFORMATION ON DIAMOND
Chapter - 1 INTRODUCTION 1-4
Physical characteristics
Uses
Commercial Grade and Specification
Market Price
Chapter - 2 GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF DIAMOND DEPOSITS 5-8
World-wide distribution of Kimberlites/Lamproites
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Emplacement ages of Kimberlites/Lamproites
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Chapter - 3 DIAMOND RESOSURCES 9 - 10
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World Resources of Diamond
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Diamond Resources of India
Economic Value of Kimberlite Diamond Deposits Y
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Chapter - 4 PRODUCTION OF DIAMOND 11 - 13
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World Scenario
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Indian Scenario
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Export Scenario of Diamond

Chapter - 5 GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND GENESIS OF DIAMOND 14 - 20
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DEPOSITS
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Geological Setting
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Primary Host Rock

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Secondary Host Rock

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Meteorite
Genesis of Diamond
Chapter - 6 PROSPECTS FOR DIAMOND DEPOSIT IN INDIA 21 - 42
Historical accounts of diamond mining in India
Distribution of diamond source rocks
The present status of diamond exploration
Exploration by MNC
Demand of Diamond
Potential areas for future diamond exploration
PART-II : DIAMOND PROVINCES IN INDIA
Chapter - 1 CENTRAL INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (CIDP) 45 - 63

Diamond exploration in the state of Madhya Pradesh
Kimberlite/Lamproite
Conglomerates (Vindhyan Conglomerates)
River Gravels
Superficial Lateritic Gravels
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Chapter - 2 EASTERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (EIDP) 64 - 84
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Diamond exploration in the state of Chhattisgarh
Kimberlitic rocks
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Diamond exploration in the state of Maharashtra
Kimberlite/Lamprorite
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Paleo-placer (conglomerate) diamonds of Wairagarh
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Diamond exploration in the state of Orissa

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Kimberlite/Lamproite rocks
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Diamond exploration in the state of Jharkhand

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Lamproite
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River Gravel
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Chapter - 3 SOUTHERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (SIDP) 85 - 136

Diamond exploration in the state of Andhra Pradesh
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Kimberlite
Lamproite
Conglomerates (Banganapalle Conglomerates)
River Gravels
Diamond exploration in the state of Karnataka
Kimberlite
Placer Diamond
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Part – I
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General Information on Diamond

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Dossier on Diamond
CHAPTER - 1
INTRODUCTION
Diamond is referred to as King Gem as it is endowed with some unique properties like extreme hardness,
beauty, supreme brilliance, rarity, durability, etc., which together render it very attractive. The ancient Indians
were the first in the world to take notice of the mineral diamond for its beauty and hardness. In the world’s
history, diamonds were first discovered in India. Since the seventh century BC, India has a history of flourishing
diamond industry producing gem variety diamonds from Krishna Gravels, Andhra Pradesh with well known world
famous diamonds like Great Moghul (787 ct), the Koh-i-Noor (105ct), Pitt/Regent (140 ct), Nizam (340 ct), Hope
(45 ct), Orlov (190ct) and Daryia-i-Noor (185ct) etc. India retained its supremacy in diamond mining and trade till about
the 18th century, when discovery of rich diamond fields in Brazil and South Africa and depletion of its own resources led
to its rapid decline in the world diamond market. The source of diamond was mainly from the Quaternary gravel beds and
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gravel bars in the sediments and the alluvial soils of the Krishna River, between Kolluru and Paritala, and Banganapalle
and Panna Diamond Belt in Madhya Pradesh. Golconda in Hyderabad was the major trade centre for cutting, selling and
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distribution of diamonds. Despite this ancient tradition, the primary sources of diamonds (kimberlite, lamproite and
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other kimberlite clan rocks) were located in India only after its independence excepting the diamondiferous Majhgawan
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pipe which remained in operation as India's only significant primary diamond mine with a grade of about 10 carats per
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hundred tonnes.
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The earliest diamond-cutting industry is believed to have been in Venice, a trade capital, starting sometime after 1330
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AD. Diamond cutting might have arrived in Paris by the late 14th century. By the late 14th century, the diamond trade
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route went to Bruges and Paris and later to Antwerp. During 1499, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama discovered
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the sea route to the Orient around the Cape of Good Hope, providing Europeans an easy access around the Arabic
impediment to the trade of diamonds coming from India. In the 18th century the diamond became even more abundant.
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Substantial quantities of diamonds arrived from South America. By that time, diamond became a conspicuous gemstone
for pompous display by women folk.
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South African diamonds were found first in 1867, in gravel near the Orange River. Further exploration in the Kimberley
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region of South Africa revealed volcanic formations called "pipes" filled with a hitherto unknown rock type which
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contained diamonds. The rock, a variety of peridotite, was named "Kimberlite" after the region of its first discovery and
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was recognized as the diamond source rock. This discovery formed the basis of the huge modern diamond industry and
enabled Republic of South Africa at honorary position in the diamond world.
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In 1871, however, world annual production, derived primarily from Republic of South Africa, exceeded 1 million carats
for the first time. From then onwards, diamonds would be produced at a prodigious rate. Today diamonds are mined
in about 25 countries, on every continent except Europe and Antarctica. However, only a few diamond deposits were
known until the 20th century, when scientific understanding and technology extended diamond exploration and mining
around the globe. The world's largest gem quality diamond, the Cullinan, was found in South Africa in 1905, (uncut weight
3106 ct).
Though India’s diamond production is small, yet export of cut diamonds based on imported roughs is a major foreign
exchange earner. The country still commands supremacy in the world supply of quality cut and polished diamonds. It is
worth observing that this industry provides gainful employment for artisans mostly hailing from rural areas. However,
the future of the trade and livelihood of the large number of artisans is very much dependant primarily on the ability to
increase indigenous production by proving new sources of diamond and create a buffer against the uncertainties in supply
of ‘roughs’ from abroad.
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Physical Characteristics
The diamond has the simplest chemical composition consisting of a single element namely - carbon with traces of
nitrogen, boron, etc. It is an allotrope of carbon, where the carbon atoms are arranged in a variation of the face-centered
cubic crystal structure called a diamond lattice. Diamond is renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities,
most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between its atoms. In particular, diamond has the highest
hardness and thermal conductivity of any bulk material. Those properties determine the major industrial application of
diamond in cutting and polishing tools. Diamond has remarkable optical characteristics. Because of its extremely rigid
lattice, it can be contaminated by very few types of impurities, such as boron and nitrogen, which results in the clear,
colorless appearance of most natural diamonds. Diamond also has relatively high optical dispersion, which results in its
characteristic luster. Excellent optical and mechanical properties, combined with lucrative marketing, make diamond the
most popular gemstone.
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Uses
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Diamonds are extensively ued in jewelery industry. Apart from jewellery, the largest demand for diamond is in industry
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and engineering where it is used chiefly as an abrasive and as a cutting tool. Industrial use of diamonds has historically
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been associated with their hardness; this property makes diamond the ideal material for cutting and grinding tools. Indians
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are believed to be the first to discover that the diamond can be cut by another diamond and that diamonds can be polished
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with its own powder. This remarkable finding paved the way for development of world renowned lapidary industry in
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India. Indians used diamond as tool to cut gems, glass and even diamond itself. Chinese used it for cutting jade. Common
industrial adaptation of this ability include diamond-tipped drill bits and saws, and the use of diamond powder as an
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abrasive. Less expensive industrial-grade diamonds, known as bort, with more flaws and inferior colour than gems, are
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used for such purposes. Diamond is not suitable for machining ferrous alloys at high speeds, as carbon is soluble in iron
at the high temperatures created by high-speed machining, leading to greatly increased wear on diamond tools compared
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to alternatives.
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Presently diamond is used in several modern technological, industrial and medical fields. Glass is cut perfectly only
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with the sharp cutting edge of diamond. Without the diamond drilling bits cannot be produced. Ophthalmologist uses
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microscopically perfected diamond cutting edge in cataract operations. Spectacles and contact lenses are perfected with
the help of diamonds. Dentists use tiny diamond drills. Very fine diamond powder is used as dental crowns. Diamonds
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are also used in astronomy, experiemental physics and electronics.

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Commercial Grade and Specification
Qualities of diamond place it in either ‘gem’ or ‘industrial’ category. Flawless diamonds of good colour are employed
in gem trade while off-colour, flawed and defective stones, chips and cuttings as well as small grains and dust are used
in industry. However, synthetic diamonds are also being used in industry. Four varieties of diamonds are known viz., (i)
diamond as precious gemstone, (ii) bort or boart/bortz transluscent to opaque industrial diamond, (iii) balls-the minute
spherical masses of crystals and (iv) carbonado the black opaque or grey tough, compact type.
The grade of diamond depends mainly on their Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. These are called the 4Cs.The mined rough
diamonds are converted into gems through a multi-step process called "cutting". Diamonds are extremely hard, but also
brittle and can be split up by a single blow. The final goal in the processing of a rough diamond is to produce a faceted
jewel where the specific angles between the facets would optimize the diamond luster that is dispersion of white light,
whereas the number and area of facets would determine the weight of the final product.
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Dossier on Diamond
After initial cutting, the diamond is shaped in numerous stages of polishing. Unlike cutting, polishing removes material
by gradual erosion and is extremely time consuming. After polishing, the diamond is re-examined for possible inherent or
induced (while processing) flaws. Those flaws are concealed through various enhancement techniques, such as repolishing,
crack filling, or clever arrangement of the stone in the jewelry. Remaining non-diamond inclusions are removed through
laser drilling and filling of the voids thus produced.
All diamonds are graded by colour (Table: 1.1) and the scale that is used by Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) is
given below.
Table 1.1 : Colour Scale used by Gemmological Institute of America

Grade Colour
D Pure White - Most prized colour
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E Exceptional white - Colourless group
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F-G Fine or rare white
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H White
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I-J Slightly tinted white
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K-L Tinted white
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M-N Slightly yellowish

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S-Z Yellow
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Clarity is the next grading. This grading scale is as follows (Table : 1.2) :
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Table 1.2 : Clarity Scale of diamond

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Clarity Scale Grade

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Flawless Fl
Internally flawless IF
Very, very small inclusions VVS1-2
Very small inclusion VS 1-2
Small inclusions SI 1-2
Inclusion I 1-3
Last parameter in grading of a diamond is it’s weight. Diamonds are weighed in carats. A carat is 0.2 grams. A gram of
diamond would be a massive 5 carats. A carat is further divided into Points, and there are 100 Points to a carat. So 1 point
equals to 0.002 of a gram which is indeed very small.
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There is a scale of weight for Diamonds and is shown below (Table 1.3) :
Table 1.3 : Scale of weight for diamond

Weight Size (Diameter) Weight pts Weight fractions
(diameter)
0.10 ct 3.00 mm 10 pts 1/10th
0.20 ct 3.85 mm 20 pts 1/5th
0.05 ct 1.00 mm 5 pts 1/20th
0.25 ct 4.10 mm 25 pts 1/4th
0.33 ct 4.55 mm 33 pts 1/3th
0.40 ct 4.80 mm 40 pts 4/10th
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0.50 ct 45.15 mm 50 pts 1/2th
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0.66 ct 5.72 mm 66 pts 2/3tht
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0.75 ct 6.00 mm 75 pts 23/4th
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0.90 ct 6.40 mm 90 pts 9/10th
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1.00 ct 6.65 mm 100 pts 1 carat
1.50 ct 7.50 mm Y 150 pts 1 & ½ crats
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2.00 ct 8.10 mm 200 pts 2 carats
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Market Price
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Diamond has been the most priced among the gems since more than 2000 years.The price of diamond depends upon
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its weight, quality, shape and flawlessness. Diamond has a high refractive index and strong dispersion, which gives it that
exciting brilliance when cut as facetted stone. Gem diamonds are transparent and colourless or show faint shades of
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different colours. The transparent water clear diamonds are known as "of first water" or "blue white". When yellowish
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tinge is present, they are termed as off-colour stones. Diamonds with green, blue or red shades are rare but are most
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valuable gems. Flawless stones of good colour are employed in gem trade while off colour, flawed and defective stones,
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chips and cutting as well as small grains and dust have industrial uses. Diamond prices change throughout the year
depending on supply and demand.
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Almost all the kimberlite diamond deposit in the world exhibits significant grade variation (typically greater than an order
of magnitude) between individual intrusive phases and/or extrusive phases, and/or resedimented volcanoclastic phases.
The grades may vary even within an individual kimberlite phase in a diamond mine. The diamond grade for economic
diamond deposits ranges from ~0.02 to ~10 carats per tonne (carat/tonne), more than two orders of magnitude. In
contrast to the vast majority of commodities (e.g., metals), there is not a single value for diamond. The value of an
individual rough diamond can be exceptionally variable (<US$1/carat to >US$1,000,000/carat), depending upon size,
colour, and quality. For this reason, the average rough diamond value stated in US$/carat is a very important economic
parameter. The known range for current and past producing mines is quite variable, ranging from ~US$15/carat to
~US$800/carat. For most active mines, the average rough diamond value is considered proprietary data. An additional
significant problem in comparing average rough diamond values is the fluctuation in book price over time (years to
decades) due to supply and demand, and general economic conditions.
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Dossier on Diamond
CHAPTER - 2
Global Distribution of Diamond Deposits
Major producing or past-producing kimberlite-hosted diamond mines are known from southern Africa (Republic of
South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe), south-central Africa (Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Zaire and Angola),
western Africa (Sierra Leone), Russia (Yakutia), China, Canada and United States of America. These deposits are found in
Precambrian terranes specily in Achaean cristal blocks. The absence of kimberlite-hosted diamond mines in countries or
continents with significant Achaean crustal blocks such as Australia, India and South America is notable, especially when
significant paleoplacer and placer deposits are well known in India and Brazil.
World-wide distribution of kimberlites and lamproites
Kimberlite intrusions commonly occur in clusters. Each cluster is composed of 1-20 distinct intrusions in close proximity
to each other and separated by distances of > 20 km from other similar clusters. One or more clusters constitute what is
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known as kimberlite field. Thus a geographically and genetically related group of kimberlites of similar age is known as
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kimberlite field. All the kimberlites within a given field, originate most likely from a single source in the mantle. Variations
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in mineralogy and texture within fields are caused by diverse styles of intrusion and differentiation of different batches
of magma. Most kimberlite fields have a diameter of up to 50 km. One or more kimberlite fields of similar or differing
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ages constitute a kimberlite province.
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Kimberlites and lamproites occur on every continent and the total number of known primary host rock is
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about 6000 from different parts of the world, of which 10% (600) are diamondiferous and only 1% (60) are
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economically viable . All the economic pipes are confined to the Archaean cratons (Archons) and Proterozoic
cratons (Protons) and/or older cratonised mobile belts, accreted to the cratons. Though several kimberlite and
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lamproite intrusions are known from the Mesoproterozoic to Quaternary; economic pipes are known to occur
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between 1200 Ma (Premier Pipe, South Africa and Argyle Pipe, Australia) and 52 Ma (Mwadui Pipe, Tanzania and
NWT pipes, Canada). Diamond content is said to be one part in 20 million in economic pipes. Some of the pipes
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reported to contain more than 100 cpht (carats per hundred tonnes) grade at surface/near surface are Argyle
(680 cpht), Australia; Mbuji Mayi (660 cpht), Zaire; Swartruggens (400 cpht); Finsch (100 cpht); Republic of South Africa;
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Mir (300 cpht), International (400 cpht) and 23rd Congress (600 cpht), Russia; Jwaneng (140 cpht) and Orapa (130 cpht),
Botswana, etc. Canadian pipes are reported to contain very high grades. The pipes with estimated more than 500 million
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carats (Mct) in situ are Jwaneng, Udachnaya (Russia) and Argyle.

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Clifford’s Rule seems to be valid in that economic kimberlites occur only on Archons, i.e. cratonic regions underlain
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by Achaean basement, whereas economic lamproites occur on some Protons, i.e. Proterozoic mobile belts encircling
Archons.
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In summary, diamondiferous kimberlites and lamproites are restricted to intrusions within Achaean and Proterozoic crust.
Diamond deposit in the mantle crystallizes and is stored in the sub-cratonic keels. These keels are prone to interaction
with the surrounding asthenosphere during periods of orogeny or at times of plate movements, and major events
of delamination with the consequent loss of diamond inventory may takes place during these acts of major tectonic
upheavals. These Archons are distributed world wide in twelve potentially diamond producing regions which occur on
seven continents (Fig. 2.1). Three of these twelve regions, i.e. only Antarctica do not have any diamond mines.
Diamond concentrations may fluctuate widely within the crater, diatreme and hypabyssal (magmatic) facies of kimberlites.
The lamproites and crater facies contain diamonds while magmatic facies is barren. Diamond content generally decreases
with depth.
Kimberlites are known from every continent specially from the regions underlain by Archaean basement (Archons). These
Archons are distributed globally in 12 potentially diamond bearing regions scattered on seven continents.
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Africa
The most prominent among them are those of the African continent. Kimberlites are known from 16 African countries.
Africa comprises three largest cratonic blocks, namely Southern African, Central African and Western African cratons.
Kimberlites occur in all the three cratonic blocks. The African continent still remains the largest producer of diamond. A
large portion of Southern Africa is occupied by the Kalahari Craton, which comprises the Kaapvaal and the Zimbabwe
Cratonic Blocks welded together by the Limpopo Mobile Belt. Important intrusions (referred to as pipes) in the Southern
African Craton include De Beers (Kimberley), Bultfontein (Kimberley), Premier, Roberts Victor, Bellsbank, Finsch and
Venetia in the Republic of South Africa, Letseng La Tera and Kao in Lesotho, Dokolwayo in Swaziland and Orapa and
Jwaneng in Botswana. They comprise 11 kimberlite pipe mines and 3 kimberlite dyke mines, alluvial, beach and off
shore deposits also contribute a large proportion of the world’s total production. The Central African Craton, which
forms another important kimberlite province, having Lunda-Karai and the Tanzanian Archons with pipes such as Mbuji
Maye and Kundulunga in Zaire, Catoca in Angola, and Mwadui in Tanzania. Several large kimberlite pipes in Angola
may become mines in the next decade. The craton also contains several large alluvial mining areas in Angola (Lunda and
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Cuango), Zaire (Eastern and Western Kasai) and in the Central African Republic. The Western African Craton includes
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the Man Archon and the Ebumean Proton. Diamondiferous kimberlite pipes and dykes are located on the Man Archon,
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Koidu in Sierra Leone, Soquinex in Guinea, Liberia and Mali. Alluvial deposits immediately downstream from kimberlites
are mined in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Occurrences of pipes and alluvials are being evaluated in Mali. Lamproite
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dykes located on the Eburnean Proton in Ivory Coast were mined in the past and large alluvial deposits, are mined in
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Ghana and Ivory Coast. The primary source rocks for these secondary deposits are not tracable.
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Canada
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This country, though came on to the kimberlite map of the world in 1956, has by far the most significant kimberlite
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province in the world. It has the largest extent of cratonic blocks (Archons) with intervening mobile belts (Protons). The
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most important Canadian field is within the Northwestern Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, which
came into prominence by the discovery of diamondiferous kimberlite from Point Lake in the Lac De Gras area in 1991.
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Since this announcement more than 200 kimberlite pipes were discovered.
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Europe
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The basement of most of Europe is not conducive to the intrusion of diamondiferous kimberlites or lamproites, although
there are many unconfirmed reports about diamond finds in several countries. The East European Craton covers most
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of western Russia and its neighboring states. It extends into Finland and northern Scandinavia. Several diamondiferous
kimberlites and lamproites have apparently been found in the Ukraine, Belorus, Russia (Karelia and the Arkhangelsk
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district) and probably also occur in Finland. There is a possibility of finding diamonds from kimberlite in northern
Sweden and Norway. A large diamond mine is to be established on five adjacent pipes in the Pomorska field, 100 km north
of Arkhangel in the next decade. There is no commercial diamond production from Europe at present.
Asia
The Asian continent contains at least five cratons. The East Siberian Craton in eastern Russia, the North China, Tarim and
Yangtze Cratons in China and the Indian Craton in India. The East Siberian Craton is located in eastern Siberia between
the Yenessei and Lena rivers and lies partly in Yakutia and partly in the Krasnoyarsk district. At least 1000 kimberlite pipes
in 20 fields occur in this area which comprises two Archons – The Anabar and the Aldan. Seven pipes have been mined.
At present only one, Udachnaya appears to be active as the others Mir Zagadochnaya, Aitchal, Sytykamkaya, Zarnitsa
and Yubileinaya are being developed for deepening their open pit or for underground mining. In addition, the large
Yubileinaya pipe commenced in 1995 is being prepared for open pit mining. Some small alluvial deposits have also been
mined in the past. All diamond mines are located in Yakutia and started only in 1959.
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Dossier on Diamond
Three cratons can be recognized in China, ie. the North China (or Sino-Korean), the Tarim and the Yangtze Cratons.
Diamondiferous kimberlites appear to occur only on the North China Craton in the Liaolu Archon. Two small kimberlite
pipes are mined in central Shandong and southern Liaoning. Diamondiferous lamproites apparently occuring in Protons
on the Yangtze and possibly on the Tarim Cratons and alluvial deposits in the Yuan River in western Hunan have been
mined in the past.
The Indian subcontinent is underlain by the Indian Craton which includes four Archons, separated by Mesozoic rifts and
surrounded by Proterozoic mobile belts. India’s only active diamond mine at Mahjgawn near Panna in northern Madhya
Pradesh is developed on a lamproite pipe located on the southern rim of the Bundelkhand Archon. Diamondiferous
but uneconomic, kimberlite pipes and dykes occur on the Dharwar Archon in Andhra Pradesh and these may be the
primary host for the widespread alluvial deposits in the Krishna River near Kumool and Kollur. Recently diamondiferous
kimberlite pipes have been discovered in Chhattisgarh which are probably the primary host for the alluvial deposits in the
Mahanadi River in Orissa.
Alluvial diamonds are mined in Indonesia in Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. There are no indications of Archon,
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Proton or Tecton basement vis-a-vis diamondiferous kimberlites or lamproites.
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Australia
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The Australian continent contains three large cratons, the Western Australian, Northern Australian and Southern Australian
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Cratons. Diamondiferous kimberlites and lamproites occur on all cratons but the only primary host rock mined since 1985
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is the Argyle olivine lamproite pipe which is located on a Proton, i.e. the Proterozoic Halls Creek Mobile Belt adjacent to
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the Kimberley Archon. Alluvial deposits are mined at the Bow River mine, immediately downstream from Argyle. Alluvial
deposits which have not been traced to a primary host rock also occur in an orogenic belt near Copeton in New South
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Fig. 2.1 : Map showing world-wide distribution of kimberlite/lamproite (modified after Dawson, 1980)
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Wales. Diamond prospecting is widespread and is focused on the North Australian Craton in the Kimberley Archon and
its off-shore areas (Cambridge Gulf) in Western Australia and in the Batten area in eastern Northern Territory.
South America
Guapore and Sao Francisco Cratons which enclose Archons are located in remote, tropical, heavily forested areas and
have not yet been fully explored. Most kimberlites discovered so far in South America lie in Protons, i.e. Proterozoic
mobile belts encircling the Archons and are not economic. Therefore, almost all production from South America is from
alluvial deposits. There is no commercial diamond production from the North American continent, although there are
many occurrences of diamonds, kimberlites and lamproites.
Emplacement ages of kimberlites/lamproites

From a global perspective kimberlite/lamproite emplacements have a remarkable coincidence throughout geological time
span. Kimberlites and lamproites range in age from Middle Proterozoic to Quaternary. The oldest kimberlites are in
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the Pilbara Craton of Western Australia (1800 Ma) while the youngest emplacement events recorded from Tanzania
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and Antarctica are of Quaternary age. Incidentally not many kimberlites erupted in the late Cenozoic period but many
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lamproite intrusions took place around this time. The oldest diamondiferous pipes are of Proterozoic age, and include
those at Premier (South Africa), Argyle (Western Australia), Majhgawan (Central India). While the Russian pipes were
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emplaced mostly during Paleozoic era around 500-300 Ma, African pipes were emplaced at peak period during Cretaceous
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around 135-65 Ma, which was the time of large scale Continental breakup. Canadian and Tanzanian emplacements are of
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Eocene age around 65-45 Ma. But globally the most profuse emplacement of kimberlite/lamproite took place during the
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last 200 million years.
Global events during geological period are :
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(i) Around 1000 Ma in Southern Africa, Brazil, Australia, Siberia, India and Greenland.
(ii) Between ~500 and 450 Ma – Archangel in Baltic region, China, Canada, Southern Africa and Zimbabwe.
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(iii) Between ~410 and 370 Ma – Siberia and USA.

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(iv) Around ~200 Ma Botswana, Canada, Swaziland and Tanjania.

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(v) Between ~120 and 80 Ma in Central and Western Africa, Brazil, Canada, India, Siberia and USA.
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(vi) Around 50 Ma – Canada and Tanjania.

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(vii) ~22 Ma – minor intrusions in the Ellendale field NW Australia.

A significant global observation is that there are specific time periods in the Earth’s history when kimberlites with
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economically viable contents of diamonds erupted contemporaneously on different continents, for example, in Tanzania
and Canada at ca. 52 to 56 Ma and in South Africa and Canada at ca. 535 to 542 Ma, whereas at other times kimberlite
events are restricted to a specific region, e.g., Yakutia at ca. 360 Ma. The oldest kimberlite- hosted diamond mine is the
Cullinan (or Premier) Mine in South Africa, which has been dated by radiometric methods at ~1200 Ma. The Venetia
kimberlite in South Africa is of similar age to the Gahcho Kué #5034 pipe and the Snap Lake sill in the Slave Province,
Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada (all ca. 542–535 Ma). Kimberlites that host diamond mines in China are dated at
ca. 475 to 462 Ma. The Yakutian kimberlites that host the economically important diamond mines have been dated by
radiometric methods at ca. 376 to 344 Ma, whereas the Jwaneng kimberlite in Botswana is ca. 235 Ma in age. Numerous
kimberlites hosting diamond mines in southern Africa, for example, Letseng, Lesotho; Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein,
Du Toit’s Pan, Bultfontein, De Beers, Kimberley and Wesselton in South Africa and Orapa in Botswana, are of similar
age (ca. 95–84 Ma). Slightly younger in age are kimberlites that host the Mbuji Maya Mine in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (71 Ma). The youngest kimberlites known to host diamond mines are found at the Ekati and Diavik Mines in the
Slave province, NWT (56–53 Ma) and in Tanzania at the Mwadui Mine (52 Ma).
8
Dossier on Diamond
CHAPTER – 3
DIAMOND RESOURCES
World Resources of Diamond
Most of the diamond occurrences of the world are concentrated around Archean shields. At present the richest diamond
bearing fields are found in Republic of South Africa and the world diamond market is controlled by that country. African
contenent has several provinces producing diamonds. On a global scale, after Africa, it is Australia, Urals and Siberian
provinces of Russia, India and China are the main diamond bearing areas. The world reserve base of industrial diamond
is about 1,300 million carats and are located at Zaire (27%), Australia (18%), Botswana(18%). Republic of South Africa
(12%) and Russia (5%). The world resource of diamond is given in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 : Resources of World Diamond (Industrial)
IA
D
Country Reserve base (In million carats)
IN
Australia 230
F
O
Botswana 230
China Y 20
VE
Zaire 350
R
Russia 65
SU
Republic of South Africa 150

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Other Countries 210

IC
World Total 1300

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Source : Mineral Commodity Summaries, 2008

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Diamond Resources of India

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The important diamond occurrences in India have been reported from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh, Raipur and
Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh and Anantapur, Kurnool and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. Occurrences have
G
also been reported from Bargarh, Bolangir and Jharsuguda districts of Orissa; Gadhchiroli and Chandrapur districts of
Maharashtra; Raichur, Gulbarga and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
The total Indian reserves/resources of diamond as on 1.4.2005 are placed at around 4,581,913 carats. Out of these, proved
category and probable category reserves account for 605 and 600 thousand carats, respectively are located in Madhya
Pradesh. The remaining 3,376 thousand carats are placed under resources category. The resources of ‘gem’ (18%), and
industrial varieties (18%) of diamonds are estimated at 757 and 841 thousand carats, respectively. Bulk of the resources
(64%) is placed under unclassified category. Besides Madhya Pradesh, the other two states where resources of diamond
are estimated are Andhra Pradesh (1,823,000 carats) and Chhattisgarh (1,304,000 carats). Gradewise/state wise reserves/
resources of diamond as on 1.4.2005 are given in Table 3.2. It may be analysed from the table that about 3,376,000 carats
of resources are estimated as the remaining resources (Pre-feasibility, Measured, Indicated, Inferred and Reconnaissance
categories) with various degree of exploration status. The entire resources of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and partly
from Madhya Pradesh are under the remaining resources category.
9
Table 3.2 : Reserves/Resources of Diamond as on 01.04.2005 (By Grades & States)

(in carats)
State Reserves Remaining Resources
Reconnais-sance
Total Resources
Pre-Feasibility
Measured
Indicated
Probable
STD 111
STD 122
STD 221
STD 331
STD 332
STD 333
STD 334
Inferred
Proved
Total
Total
A+B
‘A’
‘B’
By Grades
IA
Gem 0 0 1017 234148 0 521600 0 756765 756765
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Industrial 0 0 0 223 58200 0 782400 0 840823 840823
IN
Unclassified 605577 600000 1205577 0 6290 1523077 245359 4022 1778748 2984325
F
O
By States
Andhra
Y
VE
0 0 0 1240 298638 1523077 0 0 1822955 1822955
Pradesh
Chhattis-
0 0 0 0 0 0 1304000 0 1304000 1304000
R
garh
SU
Madhya
605577 600000 1205577 0 0 0 245359 4022 249381 1454958
Pradesh
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All India 605577 600000 1205577 1240 298638 1523077 1549359 4022 3376336 4581913
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Source: Indian Mineral Year Book, 2008

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Economic Value of Kimberlite Diamond Deposits

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Kimberlite diamond deposits are quite variable in area and geometry (dikes, sills, pipes, tephra cones). Due to lack of
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public domain data, there is a paucity of ore tonnage reserve or resource data and even if the area of the kimberlite is
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known, it is difficult to calculate ore tonnage due to the variable geometry of these deposits. This is further complicated
by the observation that not all of a kimberlite body becomes economic with respect to diamond recovery. For example,
the Letseng (Lesotho) kimberlite is 16 hectares (ha) in area, which would place it in the upper quartile for active or past
producing kimberlite diamond mines. However, only the K6 phase at Letseng with an area of 4 ha was economic. Janse
(1993) provided a novel approach to determining ore resource data worldwide by calculating tonnage to 120 m depth.
Using this criterion, there are certainly very high tonnage (e.g., Mwadui, Orapa, Jwaneng, Premier) and very low tonnage
(e.g., Koidu, The Oaks, Misery, A-154N) deposits. Due to the wide range of diamond grades and rough diamond values
for kimberlite diamond deposits, ore value expressed as US$/tonne (= grade [carat/tonne] × rough diamond value
[US$/carat]) is one of the main parameters utilized in assessing the economic potential of a deposit. Ore values range
from ~US$13/tonne to ~US$1000/tonne.
10
Dossier on Diamond
CHAPTER - 4
PRODUCTION OF DIAMOND
World Scenario
Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have
been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. World production of diamond was 131 million carats in
2002. Most of the production was concentrated in few areas – African countries - Angola, Botswana, Zaire, Namibia,
Republic of South Africa and also from countries like Australia; Russia, Brazil and Canada. In the next few years the
production of diamond has been evidently increased. The total world production of diamonds increased marginally
from 176million carats in 2005 to 176.9 million carats in 2006 and again marginally decreased to 170 million carrats in
2007. Russia (23%), Botswana (20%), Zaire (17%), Australia (11%), Canada (10%) and Republic of South Africa (9%)
are the principal countries which produce diamond. The countries like Angola, Canada and Guinea have increased their
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production considerably, where as countries like Australia, Botswana, Congo, Ghana, and Namibia show decrasing trend.
Details of country wise production of diamond for the period from 2005 to 2007 is given in Table 4.1.
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Table 4.1 : Country wise world production of diamond
(In ’000 carats)
F
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Country 2005 2006 2007
Angola 7079 Y
9175 9702
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Australia 30678 29308 19231
Botswana 31890 34293 33639
R
Canada 12614 13234 17007

SU
Zaire 33055 28990 28454

Ghana 1066 959 839
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Guinea 549 474 1019

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Namibia 1902 2356 2266

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Russia 38001 38361 38291

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Sierra Leone 669 582 604

Republic of South Africa 15776 15153 15247
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Other countries 3021 4015 3701

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World Total 176000 176900 170000

Source: World Mineral Production, 2003-2007
Indian Scenario
In 1947, production of diamond was solely from Panna district (M.P.) with just 1,284 carats. This trend continued till
1967 when it recorded a sharp rise to 7,626 carats. With gradual increase during the last ten years (1995-96 to 2004-05)
it has reached from 29,931 carats in 1994-95 to 78,316 carats in 2004-05. Then there is a steep decline in production
from 44170 carats in 2005-06 to 2180 carats in 2006-07 (Table 4.2). Production of diamond at 586 carats in 2007-2008
registered a decrease of about 73% over the previous year due to stoppage of mining activity since April 2006. At present
there are two productive mines both in public sector viz. Directorate of Geology and Mines (DGM), Govt of Madhya
Pradesh and National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NMDC), located in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. Of
these, one mine, owned by DGM contributed the entire production. Of the total output, gem variety covering only rough
and uncut constituted 38% and the remaining 62% was of industrial grade, covering both off colour and dark brown
varieties.
11
Table 4.2 : Producion of Diamond, 2005-06 to 2007-08

(Quantity in carats; Value in ’000)
State 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value
India 44170 233710 2180 14683 586 5701
Madhya Pradesh 44170 233710 2180 14683 586 5701
Source: IBM,Year Book 2008
Table 4.3 : Production of Diamond, 2006-07 and 2007-08 (Sector/States/ District/ Grades)
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(Quantity in carats; Value in ’000)
D
IN
2006-07 2007-08
F
Quantity Quantity
O
State/
No.of Gem No.of
District
Mines (rough Total
Value
Mines GemY Total
Value
VE
Industrial* (rough & Industrial*
& Quantity Quantity
uncut)
uncut)
R
India/ 2 722 1458 2180 14683 2 222 364 586 5701

SU
Public
sector
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Madhya 2 722 1458 2180 14683 2 222 364 586 5701

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Pradesh/
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Panna
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* Includes off-coloured and dark-brown varieties of diamond. Source: IBM, Year Book 2008
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Export Scenario of Diamond

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The Indian exports of cut and polished diamonds are entirely based on imported rough diamonds. Cutting and polishing
of rough diamonds, by Indian craftsmen, particularly in smaller sizes, which are difficult to be handled by machines, gives
an upper hand to India in export of value added diamonds. Analysis of value of exports of diamonds (cut) world wide
during the last ten years (1998-99 to 2007-08) indicates that the export value of diamonds have registered three-fold rise
during this period from Rs. 19977 crore in 1997-98 to 57240 crore in 2007-08 (Table 4.4). It may also be seen that USA,
Hong Kong, Belgium, Japan, Thailand, Israel, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, UAE are the major buyers of cut and polished
diamonds from India. The export turn over from cut and polished diamonds constitutes more than 80% of the total value
of ores & minerals exported from the country. In 2007-08, diamond (mostly cut variety) alone accounted for more than
99% exports in terms of value (Table 4.5). The share of industrial diamond including diamond powder was neligible.
Exports were mainly to Honkong (33%), USA (22%), Belgium (14%), UAE (13%), and Israel (7%) (Table 4.5)

12
Dossier on Diamond
Table 4.4 : Country wise export value of Diamond

(Value in ’000)
Country 1998-99 2006-07 2007-08
Hong Kong 7405,75,18 148100864 188936441

USA 4811,7232 113187777 124044927
Belgium 3367,8877 65214744 77920863
UAE 1345,87,75 53872217 77078033
Israel 409,3910 39417044 41490280
Thailand 893,59,49 13376575 13770808
Japan 155,07,46 16831363 13425328
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Switzerland 339,69,96 4408478 5671983
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Singapore 298,24,98 5089885 563830
F
UK - 3708175 3932709
O
Other countries 950,23,29 16511554 20499679
All countries 199774830
Y 479718676 572407881
VE
R
SU
Table 4.5 : Country wise exports of various grades of diamond in 2007-08

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IC
Country Industrial (Carat) Cut diamond (Carat) Diamond Powder (carat)

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Belgium 127560 14581439 8006

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USA 43957 7321326 3625

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Ireland 11495 6998774 3317

UK 2910 752748 1843
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China 12260 2096031 2193

Israel 2300 1151874 374
UAE 3016 1035759 846
Canada 561 366553 122
Hong Kong - 399304 44
Unspecified 150210 248276 10
Other countries 1489 1387007 139
All countries 355758 43179091 20519
13
CHAPTER - 5
Geological Setting and Genesis of Diamond Deposits
Geological Setting
Diamond deposits can be classified as primary (kimberlites and lamproites) and secondary (alluvial and marine).Primary
deposits of diamonds occur in kimberlite or lamproite as a sparsely dispersed xenocrystal mineral in pyroclastic,
volcaniclastic, resedimented volcaniclastic and sub-volcanic (hypabyssal) rocks of mantle origin (kimberlite-hosted
deposits). Besides these primary source rocks, there are also secondary source rocks containing diamonds, derived from
disintegration of primary rocks. These include conglomerates (hardened gravel) and gravels (river as well as off-shore).
Secondary deposits are formed by the weathering of primary deposits and occur in unconsolidated and consolidated
sediments (placer and paleoplacer deposits). Diamonds can also be found associated with extra terrestrial rock like
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meteorite which is only of academic interest. Understanding the mode of occurrence is of utmost importance before
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starting on exploration.
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Primary Host Rocks
F
O
Diamonds are found in a variety of rock types including meteorites. The kimberlites and the lamproites are considered as
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primary source rocks for diamond. They are magnesium, potassium and titanium rich ultra basic rocks and have become
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fascinating objects for the earth scientists not only they contain diamonds in economic quantities but also provide
interesting clues about formation of upper mantle. These rocks come to earth’s surface through eruption in the form of
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small volcanoes and ultimately solidify giving rise to vertical pipe like, carrot shaped and champagne glass shaped bodies
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and at places linear shaped bodies, called “dykes”. Diamond xenocrysts are variably distributed throughout the host rocks
at concentration levels of <0.01 to 2.0 ppm.
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Kimberlite : In the nascent stage of the development of kimberlite petrology, Wagner (1914) attempted to classify the
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kimberlites on the basis of mica content and introduced the terms basaltic and lamprophyric kimberlites – the former
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being an olivine-rich rock with <5% mica phenocryst and the latter with mica phenocrysts in a groundmass containing
LO
>50% mica. This terminology was widely accepted till Mitchell (1970) classified the kimberlites into three mineralogical
varieties: kimberlite, micaceous kimberlite (equivalent to basaltic and lamprophyric kimberlites of Wagner, 1914), and
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calcite kimberlite based on the abundance of olivine, phlogopite and primary magmatic calcite respectively. These systems
of classification were beset with gross inadequacies, as there was no means to distinguish the relative amounts of primary
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phenocrystal and xenocrystal olivines in the macrocryst population. Therefore, Skinner and Clement (1979) and Clement
et al. (1984) proposed a classification solely based on the groundmass modal mineralogy which recognized five varieties
of kimberlites based on the predominance of serpentine, diopside, phlogopite, calcite and monticellite. This classification
left provision for using appropriate prefix to the basic name, provided one or more of the other minerals are present in
sufficient quantities (e.g., monticellite serpentine kimberlite, where serpentine is the dominant mineral and monticellite is
in subordinate quantity).
Smith (1983) and Smith et al. (1985) divided kimberlites into two groups, viz. Group I and Group II on the basis of
their petrological and geochemical signature. Smith et al. (1985) further subdivided Group I kimberlites, based mainly on
major element geochemistry, into Group-IA (on-craton) and Group-IB (off-craton) types, signifying their emplacement
with reference to the tectonic environs. Group I and II varieties of kimberlites essentially correspond to the “basaltic”
(non-micaceous or serpentine-calcite) and “lamprophyric” (micaceous) kimberlites respectively, which were recognized
from early petrographic studies of South African kimberlites (Wagner, 1914). The characterisation of Group I kimberlites
14
Dossier on Diamond
evolved from the definitions given by Clement et al. (1984), and culminated in the definition given by Mitchell (1995)
under archetypal kimberlites. Mitchell’s (1995) definition was endorsed by the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics
of igneous rocks (Woolley et al., 1996) which is given below.
Group I kimberlites are volatile-rich (dominantly CO2) potassic ultrabasic rocks commonly exhibiting a distinctitive
inequigranular texture resulting from the presence of macrocrysts and megacrysts set in a fine-grained matrix. The
assemblage of macrocrysts and megacrysts, at least some of which are xenocrystic, includes anhedral crystals of olivine,
magnesian ilmenite, pyrope, diopside (in some cases subcalcic), phlogopite, enstatite, and Ti poor chromite. Olivine
macrocrysts are characteristic dominant constituent of all but fractionated kimberlites. The matrix contains a second
generation of primary euhedral or subhedral olivine (Fo 87-90 mol %), which occurs together with one or more of
the following primary minerals: monticellite, phlogopite, perovskite, spinel (magnesian ulvöspinel –magnesiochromite –
ulvöspinel – magnetite solid solutions), apatite, carbonate and serpentine. Olivine is typically in the range of 35-55 modal
% including macrocrysts, xenocrysts and phenocrysts. Many kimberlites contain a late-stage poikilitic mica belonging
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to the barian phlogopite – kinoshitalite series. Nickeliferous sulphides and rutile are common accessory minerals. The
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replacement of earlier-formed olivine, phlogopite, monticellite and apatite by deuteric serpentine and calcite is common.
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Evolved members of the Group may be poor in or devoid of, macrocrysts, and composed essentially of second-generation
olivine, calcite, serpentine and magnetite, together with minor phlogopite, apatite and perovskite.
F
O
In regard to major element composition Group I kimberlites generally have SiO2 in the range of 25-35 wt%, Al2O3
< 5 wt% and K2O/Na2O ratios > 2. Group IB kimberlites have relatively high TiO2 contents compared to Group IA
Y
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kimberlites.
Group II kimberlites or micaceous kimberlites (orangeites of Mitchell, 1995), belong to a clan of ultrapotassic, peralkaline
R
SU
rocks rich in volatiles (dominantly H2O), characterised by phlogopite macrocrysts and microphenocrysts, together with
groundmass micas that vary in composition from phlogopite to “tetraferriphlogopite”. Rounded macrocrysts of olivine
and euhedral primary crystals of olivine (Fo 91-93 mol%) are common, but not invariably major constituents. Characteristic
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primary phases in the groundmass include: diopside, commonly zoned and mantled by titanian aegirine; spinels, ranging
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in composition from Mg-bearing chromite to Ti-bearing magnetite; Sr- and REE-rich perovskite; Sr-rich apatite; REE-
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rich phosphates (monazite, daqingshanite); potassium bearing titanates belonging to the hollandite group; potassium
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triskaidecatitanates (K2Ti13O27); Nb-bearing rutile and Mn-bearing ilmenite. These are set in a mesostasis that may contain
calcite, dolomite, ancylite and other rare-earth carbonates, witherite, norsethite and serpentine. Evolved members of
EO
the group contain groundmass sanidine and potassic richterite. Zirconium silicates (wadeite, zircon, kimzeyitic garnet,
Ca-Zr-silicate) may occur as late-stage groundmass minerals. Barite is a common deuteric secondary mineral. Mitchell
G
suggested that Group II kimberlites are not kimberlites at all, and should be termed “orangeite”. He opined that these
rocks are derived from metasomatised (enriched) lithospheric mantle in contrast to Group I kimberlites, which are derived
from depleted asthenospheric mantle sources. He also noted that the petrogenesis of orangeites is similar to that of
lamproites.
Lamproite : The definition of lamproite given by has been endorsed by the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics
of igneous rocks. Lamproites are characterised by the presence of widely varying amounts (5-90 vol.%) of the following
primary phases: (1) Ti-rich (2-10 wt% TiO2), Al-poor (5-12 wt% Al2O3) phenocrystic phlogopite, (2) Ti-rich (5-10 wt%
TiO2) groundmass poikilitic “tetraferriphlogopite”, (3) Ti-rich (3-5 wt% TiO2), potassium (4-6 wt% K2O) richterite,
(4) forsteritic olivine, (5) Al-poor (< 1 wt% Al2O3), sodium-poor (< 1 wt% Na2O) diopside, (6) non-stoichiometric Fe-rich
(1-4 wt% Fe2O3) leucite, and (7) Fe-rich sanidine (typically 1-4wt% Fe2O3). The presence of all the above phases is not
required in order to classify the rocks as lamproite. Any one phase may be dominant and this together with the presence of
two or three other major phases determines the petrographic name. Minor and common accessory phases include priderite,
15
wadeite, apatite, perovskite, magnesio-chromite, titanian magnesio-chromite, and magnesian titaniferous magnetite; less
commonly, but characteristically, jeppeite, armacolite, shcherbakovite, ilmenite and enstatite are also present. The presence
of the following minerals precludes a rock from being classified as a lamproite: primary plagioclase, melilite, monticellite,
kalsilite, nepheline, Na rich alkali feldspar, sodalite, nosean, hauyne, melanite, schorlomite or kimzeyite.
Morphology of kimberlite and lamproite intrusions
Kimberlites and lamproites are small volume igneous rocks of limited areal extent. They are generally elliptical or near
circular bodies with irregular outline. Dykes are also recorded. Size, shape and complexity of the intrusions depend on many
factors- the rock types encountered, fracturing in the country rock, involvement of ground-water, supply of source magma
and number of different pulses reaching the surface. They in general occur in clusters and groups of such clusters are known
as Fields. Based on morphology and texture, three facies of kimberlite magmatism viz. the crater facies, diatreme facies and
root zone or hypabyssal facies have been recognised. Crater facies kimberlites can be divided into lavas, pyroclastic rocks
and epiclastic rocks. Bonafide kimberlite lavas have not yet been recognised. The only lava, which might be considered to be
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effusive kimberlite, based on the mineral composition and texture, occurs as a small flow in Igswi Hills (Tanzania). Diatreme
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facies kimberlites are long carrot shaped bodies having near vertical axes and steeply dipping (80 – 85o) walls. The diatreme
IN
facies lamproites have a champagne glass shape with low wall angles in which crater facies are intruded by magmatic facies
F
(Fig. 5.1). Scott Smith While the diatreme facies may exceed 2 km in depth lamproites the extends up to a maximum
O
depth of 300 m. They have a near circular or elliptical surface configuration. Hypabyssal facies kimberlites include root
zones of diatremes, precursor dykes and sills. Recent spate of Canadian kimberlite discoveries has given rise to new
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morphological models. Based on morphological characteristics three kimberlite pipe models have been proposed (Field
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and Scott Smith, 1999) and the kimberlite intrusions are classified into Class-I, Class-II and Class-III. (Fig. 5.2 a, b, c). The
R
traditional, southern African pipe model called Class-I consists of a steep tapering pipe with three morphological parts:
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a deep, relatively narrow root zone, a middle, steep-sided diatreme zone, and an upper, shallow, flared crater zone The
Canadian kimberlite fields have produced two new model types shallow, open, bowl-shaped Canadian Prairies type, based
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on the Fort à la Corne kimberlite field called Class II, and narrow, steep sided Lac de Gras type called Class-III. Class-III
kimberlites lack coherency and tuffisitic facies dominated by volcaniclastic kimberlite.
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Generalized Model of Kimberlite & Lamproite Intrusions

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Regional setting of primary diamond deposits

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“Clifford’s Rule”, states that diamondiferous kimberlites are almost exclusively found in regions underlain by Archaean
craton that is continental crust older than 2.5 billion years in age. In Africa, Russia and Canada, all of the significantly
G
diamondiferous kimberlites are “on-craton”. The only significant exception to Clifford's Rule is the Argyle lamproite in
Australia. It lies "off-craton" in a Proterozoic mobile belt. The reason for the originally empirical association between
Archaean basement and diamondiferous kimberlites has been explained theoretically by consideration of the structure
of the cratons (elucidated by geophysics and the study of mantle xenoliths brought to surface by kimberlites) and the
temperature/pressure relationship between graphite and diamond. Natural diamonds form and are preserved in a high
pressure environment present in nature at depths of over 120 km. In most parts of the earth, the temperatures at this
depth are too high for diamonds to form. However Archaean cratons have relatively cool lithospheric roots in which there
exists a downward deflection of isotherms and a corresponding upward deflection of the diamond stability field. This
region of high pressure and relatively low temperature (less than about 1200oC) provides a "window" in which diamonds
can form and be preserved. Kimberlitic magmas are generated at or below these depths (as evidenced by their xenoliths)
and may “sample” the lithospheric roots, thus collecting diamonds enroute to surface. Kimberlites formed away from the
craton do not sample the diamond window, and thus are unlikely to be diamondiferous.
16
Dossier on Diamond
IA
D
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F
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Y
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Fig. 5.1 : Lamproite

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Fig. 5.2a : Kimberlite Fig. 5.2b : Kimberlite Fig. 5.2c : Kimberlite Class - III Pipe
Class - I Pipe Class - II Pipe
17
Secondary Host Rocks

Alluvial and beach deposits (recent placers) and conglomerates (palaeo -placers) constitute secondary source rocks for
diamonds. The oldest diamondiferous conglomerates are the Witwatersrand Conglomerete (2.6 Ga) in Republic of South
Africa, Birrimian greywackes (2.2 Ga) in Ghana and Ivory Coast, Sopa Conglomerate (1.8 Ga) in Brazil and Sakoli
Conglomerate (Palaeo- Proterozoic) and Cumbum pebbly sandstone (Neo Proterozoic) in India. Diamondiferous river
gravels of Quaternary age occurs in several countries as in western, south western and central Africa, western Australia,
Venezuela, Brazil, Indonesia and India. Marine placer deposits occur along the coast of Namibia and Republic of South
Africa.
Meteorite
Diamonds can also form under other naturally occurring high-pressure conditions. Very small diamonds of micrometer
and nanometer sizes, known as microdiamonds or nanodiamonds respectively, have been found in meteorite impact craters.
IA
Such impact events create shock zones of high pressure and temperature suitable for diamond formation. Impact-type
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microdiamonds can be used as an indicator of ancient impact craters. Although the discovery of diamonds of microscopic
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size in meteorites does not have any economic significance, it has opened up new vistas in our understanding of the origin
of diamond.
F
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Genesis of Diamond
Y
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The genetic aspect of diamond is still an unsolved enigma. Several models have been put forward based on theoretical
concepts, field ovservations and experimental studies. Creation of artificial diamond has also enhanced our understanding
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about the formation of natural diamonds.

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Diamonds have been created and destroyed over a significant period of the Earth’s history, from ca. 3.57 Ga to 88 Ma
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and probably to present day. Most natural diamonds are formed at high-pressure high-temperature conditions existing
at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 120 mi) in the Earth’s mantle. Carbon-containing minerals provide the carbon
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source and the growth occurs over periods from 1 billion to 3.3 billion years (25% to 75% of the age of the Earth).
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Macrodiamonds are interpreted to crystallize from low-density fluids, or carbon- and water-rich melts at pressures >~4.0
LO
GPa and temperatures <~1350°C. These P–T conditions are met within thick, old lithospheric mantle roots that have low
paleogeothermal gradients, and these roots lie under ancient continental nuclei. The zone or area of diamond formation
EO
in the upper mantle (zone below 40 to 50 km thick crust, where most of the magmas generate) is generally referred to
as diamond stability field or diamond window. The magmas generated around this zone are more of kimberlitic or
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lamproitic in composition and during their ascent to surface scavenge upper mantle debri which include diamondiferous
rocks, such as peridotite and eclogite (parent rocks for diamond). Diamonds are brought close to the earth surface through
deep volcanic eruptions by a magma, which cools into igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites. The kimberlitic
magma rises so quickly that diamonds do not have time to convert to graphite which is the more stable form of carbon at
the earth’s surface. Once the diamond is cooled down, it does not have enough energy to reform its crystal structure into
graphite (Fig. 5.3). The kimberlites or lamproites can thus be considered as transporting agents of diamonds, formed at
depth to the surface of the earth. But for the kimberlites and lamproites we would not have seen diamonds.
The initiation of kimberlite magmatism is at depth in the asthenospheric mantle (>150 km), although the initiation and
generation of kimberlite magma is poorly understood. Kimberlite-hosted diamond mines occur in the cratonic shield
regions that are older than 2.5 Ga, while Lamproite hosted diamond deposit occur in the circum-cratonic mobile belts
that have been stable at least for the past 1.8 Ga. Kimberlite magmas generate a range of rocks that form a wide variety
of landforms and intrusions, in many aspects similar to that generated by small-volume alkali basaltic volcanic systems.
18
Dossier on Diamond
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Fig. 5.3 : Vertical section through Earth’s crust- mantle. The uppermost, non-convecting portion of Earth
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including the crust and part of the upper mantle is called the lithosphere, and the underlying convecting part the
asthenosphere. Beneath ancient cratons the lithosphere may extend to about 200 km depth. In cooler regions of
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Earth’s mantle the graphite/diamond transition occurs at shallower depth. Beneath cratons, therefore, there is
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a region where lithosphere and diamond stability overlap and this is the main source region of diamonds worldwide
(after Mitchell, 1994) Y
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Fig. 5.4 : Diamondiferous upper mantle rocks, such as peridotite and eclogite, the parent rocks in which diamonds are
formed, which are transported to the surface by kimberlites/ lamproites
19
Kimberlite bodies typically form from multiple intrusive and/or extrusive events; these discrete events form distinct
kimberlite phases. These individual kimberlite phases are characterized by differing textures, mineralogy and geochemistry,
and diamond grade, size population and morphology, and value.
Genetic aspects of diamond in relation to kimberlite magma have been examined critically based on crystallization of
carbon. The xenocrystic and phenocrystic origin of diamond has been debated. Supporters of xenocrystic theory feel that
diamond is derived from fragmentation of diamondiferous eclogite and perdotite (Fig.5.4). They consider that kimberlite
is merely a medium whereby diamond is transported from the mantle to the source. The reason for diamonds being
restricted to kimberlite amongst igneous rocks is that, only kimberlite originates at sufficient depths to sample diamond-
bearing mantle.
Diamonds can also be produced synthetically in a high-pressure high-temperature process which approximately simulates
the conditions in the earth's mantle. Several non-diamond materials, which include cubic zirconia and silicon carbide and
are often called diamond simulants, resemble diamond in appearance and many properties.
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Minerals which are more abundant than diamond and act as pathfinders to locate diamondiferous source rocks are
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considered as indicator minerals in exploration for diamonds. These are formed along with diamond in the upper mantle
and brought up to the surface as xenocrysts in the kimberlite and lamproite magma. These minerals with higher specific
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gravity form part of heavy mineral concentrate fraction and are recovered by gravity concentration. These indicator
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minerals play a significant role in locating kimberlite and lamproite source rocks and help in determining the potentiality
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and economic viability of kimberlite occurrences. As diamonds are formed between 950o-12500C many indicator minerals
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have been used as geological thermometers to measure temperature of formation of diamondiferous kimberlite magma.
Indicator minerals useful in diamond exploration are pyrope garnet, picro-ilmenite, chrome-diopside, chromite, spinel
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and micro diamond and zircon. But the order of persistence in streams is zircon, ilmenite, chromite, garnet, chromian
diopside, and olivine. Diamond itself is obviously a most important indicator.
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Dossier on Diamond
Chapter - 6
PROSPECTS FOR DIAMOND DEPOSIT IN INDIA
Historical accounts of diamond mining in India
The world was introduced to the splendour and glory of these rarest of rare gems by our great country diamonds are
known in India for more than 2500 to 3000 years much before the Christian era, figured in the Indian epic Mahabharata
and Hindu Puranas and in the writings of Kautilya (4th century B.C), Pliny (1st century A.D.), Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.),
Varahamihira (6th century A.D.) and others (Fig 6.1). In the ancient Deccan, according to the Kautilya’s Arthasastra
(Kangle, 1972), diamonds were reported from Sabharastra (Vidarbha in Maharashtra) and according to Varahamihira’s
Brhat Samhita, from the Vena River (modern Wainaganga, Maharashtra) and Matanga country, identified as the area
covering a part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State, which included the Krishna and Godavari districts. There is no well-
documented record of the diamond mining during the ancient period, but the accounts of the medieval period (13th
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- 18th centuries A.D.) by European travellers and merchants, and Portuguese and British officials gave vivid descriptions
of the hectic diamond mining activity of those days. Prominent among them were Marco Polo (13th century), Nicolo de
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Conti and Asthanasius Nikitin (15th century), Fernao Nuniz and Garcia da Orata (16th century), Jacques de Coutre, Jean
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Baptiste Tavernier and Henry Howard (17th century), Benjamin Heyne, Henry Voysey, and Capt. New Bold (19thcentury)
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and officers of the Geological Survey of India during the 19th & 20th centuries, viz. William King, Bruce Foote, Valentine
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Ball, Heron and others described the diamond fields and mining activity. The writings of Tavernier (1676) in the “Travels
in India” and the Paper presented by Henry Howard (1677), the Right Honourable the Earl Marshall of England, to
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the Royal Society, gave us details of the 17th century account of the different mines worked, nature of material mined,
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methods of working, cutting, trading of diamonds, etc.
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Fig. 6.1 : Generalised location map of ancient and modern Diamond occurrences in India
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The past glory of Golconda

Golconda (Golkonda), known as Mankal or Mangalawaram in medieval times, was originally fortress of the Kakatiya
rulers (11th to 14th centuries A.D.) before Sultan Quli Qutb Mulk, the founder of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty who made it
capital of his government, under the Bahmani rulers of the Deccan, in A.D. 1497 and renamed it Muhammadnagar in
honour of the Bahmani king, Muhammad. Located on the main trade route between Surat (Gujarat) and Masulipatnam
(Andhra Pradesh), the Golconda town developed into a trading mart for several commodities including the Deccan
diamonds. The Golconda town is on the outskirts of the modern Hyderabad. Karwan (Carvan), located about 5 km to
the east of the Golconda fort, became a thriving cutting and trading centre for diamonds during the reign of Ibrahim
Qutb Shah (A.D. 1550-80).
Thus Golconda became famous the world over, as the Diamond Capital in the past (Fig. 6.2). The mining activity declined
by about the beginning of the 18th century A.D. most probably due to exhaustion of the main deposits, non-patronage of
the waning kingdoms and discovery of new diamond fields in 1725 in Brazil.
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Fig. 6.2 : Golconda - Diamond Capital of the Medieval Period
Ancient mines and the World famous Diamonds

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There were several diamond mines in the past, all located in the modern Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) with the exception of
those at Raichur in Karnataka and Wairagarh in Maharashtra .The diamond fields in A.P., spread over an area of 50,000 sq
km and were confined to the drainage basins of the Krishna and Pennar Rivers. For winning the diamonds, the ancients
mined mostly secondary (sedimentary) rocks, i.e. the river gravels and conglomerates, a few primary (igneous) rocks,
i.e. kimberlites and lamproites and surface soils distributed mainly in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Mahaboobnagar,
Kurnool, Prakasam, Cuddapah and Anantapur districts. The mines at Wairagarh were in the secondary rocks and those
at Raichur not clear.
Lost treasure of India – World famous Diamonds
Along the banks of the Krishna River, aptly termed as Diamond River, for a length of about 300 km between Sangam, the
confluence of the Krishna and Tungabhadra Rivers, Vijayawada in A.P., particularly Kolluru - Paritala Belt, was the scene
of intense mining activity producing a galaxy of historically world famous diamonds, such as the Koh -i- Noor (105ct), the
Great Mogul (787 ct), the Pitt or Regent (140 ct), the Orlov (190 ct), the Nizam (340 ct) and the Hope (45 ct) (Fig. 6.3).
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Fig. 6.3 : Picture of World famous Diamonds
23
Of all the diamonds, the Koh-i-Noor is more famous and perhaps it is the only diamond, which fell into many hands and
crossed borders of several countries without being sold and ruled the destinies of many kingdoms. Historical accounts
though differ on the authenticity of the period of their recovery, and their weights, all point to the Krishna Valley as the
source for these celebrated diamonds.
Famous conglomerate mines were at Ramallakota, Banganapalle, Vajragiri and Munimadugu in Kurnool district and
Kolluru in Guntur district. The surface soils of the Wajrakarur and Jonnagiri areas in Anantapur and Kurnool districts
and a few of the Wajrakarur kimberlite pipes in Anantapur district and the Chelima lamproite dykes in Kurnool district
were also mined for diamonds. Large size diamonds were not only from the Krishna gravels but also from the mines of
Wajrakarur area known for many kimberlites bodies, under the Vijayanagar Kingdom.
Many, in the earlier times, mentioned about the occurrence of diamonds in Raichur area of Karnataka during Vijayanagar
empire (1420-21), It is given to understand that “the Kingdom had a regular income from the diamond mines of Raichur
Doab. It was because of these and other mineral deposits that the Raichur Doab was always coveted by the Bahmanis and
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after them, by Bijapur and Vijayanagar rulers.
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The central -eastern part of India had also witnessed ancient diamond mining activity centered around Wairagarh, known
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as Beiragarh in the earlier times, is located about 125 km northeast of Chandrapur in Maharashtra and at the confluence
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of Satti Nadi and Kobragarhi, tributaries of the Wainaganga River. The gravels of Baghain River, superficial lateritic
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gravels and Vindhyan conglomerates in the Panna Belt were worked for these precious gems. The Mahanadi River gravels
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in Sambalpur-Hirakud area in eastern India also witnessed diamond mining in the medieval period.
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Distribution of diamond source rocks
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Geographic distribution of different known diamond occurrences and their source rocks reveal that they are confined
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to Peninsular India, which comprises four cratonic masses namely Dharwar, Aravalli-Bhundelkhand, Singhbhum and
Bastar. The Narmada–Son Lineament, Godavari and Mahanadi rifts separate these Cratons. The host rocks identified for
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diamonds are the Palaeo-Proterozoic Sakoli conglomerates in Maharastra, Neo-Proterozoic Cumbum Pebbly Sandstone in
AP, Neo to Meso-Proterozoic (1300-1100 Ma) lamproites and kimberlites in AP, Karnataka, Chattisgarh, MP and Orissa.
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Host rocks of Neo-Proterozoic are Vindhyan and Banaganapalli conglomerates in MP and AP respectively. Jurassic
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Gollapalli sandstone/conglomerate in AP, Cretaceous lamproites dykes intruding the Gondwana coal fields in Jharkhand
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and Quaternary gravels in AP, MP and Orissa, constitute other secondry source rocks of diamonds.
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The known areas of diamond source rocks are broadly grouped into three diamond provinces, namely the South Indian
Diamond Province (SIDP), the Central Indian Diamond Province (CIDP), and the Eastern Indian Diamond Province
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(EIDP) (Fig 6.4), each of which spreads approximately over an area of 1,00,000 sq km and includes both primary
(Kimberlites and/or Lamproites) and secondary (conglomerates and/or gravels) for diamonds. Of all the three provinces,
the CIDP appears to be smaller in extent. The SIDP is confined to the Dharwar Craton in the states of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and Maharashtra, the CIDP to the Bundelkhand Craton in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh,
and the EIDP confined to the Bastar and Singhbhum Cratons in the states of Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand
and Madhya Pradesh. The status of exploration is discussed province-wise in the Part – II of DID.
The present status of diamond exploration

Once India was the sole country that supplied diamond to other parts of the world. All the world-renowned diamonds
like, Koh-i-Noor, Great Moghal, Orlov, Hope, Dariya-i-Noor, Shah and Jacob were produced from the famous Krishna River
gravel deposits in Andhra Pradesh. The Baghain River gravels and Vindhyan conglomerates in the Panna Belt of Madhya
Pradesh and Wairagarh Conglomerates in Central India and Mahanadi River gravels in Sambalpur-Hirakud area in Eastern
India were popular diamond mining centres till 18th century A.D. Though India is known from antiquity for its most
24
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Fig. 6.4 : Cratonic blocks of India (modified after Radhakrishna, 1989) showing locations of kimberlites /
lamproites. EGMB : Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt; B:Basna kimberlite field; Bu:Bunder lamproites;D:Damodhar
Valley lamproites;K:Krishna lamproite field;M:Majhgawan lamproite field;Mp:Mainpur kimberlite
field;Na:Nawapara lamproite field;N:Narayanpet kimberlite field:Nl:Nallamalai lamproite field;Ra:Ramadugu
lamproite field;R:Raichur kimberlite field;T:Tungabhadra kimberlite field;Tk:Tokapal kimberlite
field;W:Wajrakarur kimberlite field.
25
beautiful, famous and large size diamonds, existence of the primary diamond source rocks came to light only in 1930 with
the identification of the present outline of the Majhgawan pipe (where diamond production can be traced back to 1829)
as limberlite, which was later termed as lamproite. This was followed by identification of tuffacious rock near Wajrakarur
in southern India, where diamond mining was known since centuries, as kimberlite. The only working diamond mine in
India today is located in the Majhgawan pipe.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has contributed immensely to the country’s diamond resource development, both
before and after independence. Systematic geological details are obtained from the investigations carried out for diamonds
since 1950s, mostly by the GSI, which were at peak in 1980s with the implementation of National Diamond Project
(NDP). The first primary source rock for diamonds namely kimberlite in India was reported by GSI as early as 1880 in the
Wajrakarur area. In order to fulfil the need of rough diamond requirement for the fast growing Indian diamond industry
and lessen our increasing dependence on imports, the Government of India, implemented the National Diamond Project
(NDP) with the cardinal objective of assessing the diamond potential of known primary and secondary deposits. It was
a collaborative effort implemented by GSI-MECL-NMDC with GSI being the nodal agency, in two states, viz. Andhra
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Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project work carried out in two phases during 1980-87 in Andhra Pradesh and during
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1980-88 in Madhya Pradesh. The department of mines and geology Government of AP was also associated with the
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project for a short period. Initial programmes were in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and subsequently extended
to the states of Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
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After completion of NDP, GSI continued its efforts to locate primary source rocks for diamond and to assess diamond
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potential in all the three diamond provinces. A few other central and state government organisations were also involved in
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diamond exploration without much success. Keeping in tune with the modern trends of diamond exploration, GSI oriented
its programmes through multidisciplinary surveys and from time to time equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories to
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back up the diamond exploration programmes. A combination of specialised techniques/methods comprising remote
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sensing and aerial photography, geochemistry, geophysics, heavy mineral studies from stream sediment samples has been
applied. The efforts since 1993 were mainly towards locating kimberlites and lamproites by integrated studies and to assess
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diamond potential of the primary source rocks discovered. This approach resulted in the discovery of more than 100
kimberlite and lamproite bodies in India in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa (the
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list of kimberlite and lamproite bodies discovered is given in Table–6.1. In Andhra Pradesh numerous diamondiferous
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kimberlites were discovered as a part of rigorous efforts, from which diamonds were recovered including micro-diamonds
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& macro-diamonds of both industrial and gem grades. Efforts of GSI succeeded in locating kimberlites in Wajrakarur,
Chigicherla, Timmasamudram and Kalyandurg, Siddanapalle, Chagapuram, Maddur, Kotakonda and Narayanpet areas
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in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Behradih, Payalikhand, Kodomali, Tokapal in Chattisgarh and lamproites from
Jaggayyapeta, Ramadugu, Chelima and Zangamarajupalle in Andhra Pradesh and from Nawapara in Orissa, Majhgawan in
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Madhya Pradesh and Damodar Valley in Jharkhand. Of the kimberlite-lamproite bodies discovered so far, the Majhgawan
pipe at Panna in Madhya Pradesh is the only producing mine now. Both the conglomerate and gravel beds, which were the
major source rocks for diamond in the historic past, are being worked locally in the Panna Diamond Belt.
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Dossier on Diamond
Table – 6.1 : List of kimberlite and lamproite bodies discovered by GSI
I. CENTRAL INDIAN DIAMOND FIELD (CIDF)

Panna Diamond belt
Name of the Dimension
Sl Location State District Remarks
pipe of pipe
1 Majhgaon Lat 24039’ Madhya Panna 515 x 330m Diamond incidence 10
Pradesh cpht in main pipe.
Long 800 2’
2 Hinota 20km WSW of Panna; Madhya Do 200x180m Low diamond
Lat 24040’ Long 800 01’ Pradesh incidence
II. EASTERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (EIDP)
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Mainpur Kimberlite Cluster
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pipe of pipe
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1 Payalikhand - I Lat 20010’0’ Chhattisgarh Raipur 100x100 Diamondiferous
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Lon 820 21’
169km from Raipur Y
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2 Payalikhand - II Do Do Do 50x50 Diamondiferous
3 Bahradih 12km NW of Do Do 300x200 Diamondiferous
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Payalikhand
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4 Jangra Lat 2008’ Do Do >50 across Not known

Lon 820 19’40’’
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2km NW of Piyalikhand
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5 Kodomali Lat 20011’10’’ Do Do 300 across Diamondiferous

Lon 82 14’8’’
0
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Tokapal Kimberlite Cluster

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pipe of pipe
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1 Tokapal Topsheet No. : 65E/16 Do Bastar Not Lateritised and top

established black soil cover
2km dia
2 Duganpal Kimberlite exposed in Do Do May be Non diamondiferous
Duganpal nala section west ward
Duganpal nala Topsheet extension
No. : 65E/16 of Tokapal
300m dia
3 Bhejripadar Near Bejripadar village` Do Do Non diamondiferous
65E/16
4 Parpa-Parakot Topsheet No. : 65E/16 Not Non diamondiferous
established
may be ward
extension of
Tokapal

27
III. SOUTHERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE(SIDP)

A. WAJRAKARUR- LATTAVARAM KIMBERLITE FIELD
Wajrakarur-Lattavaram Cluster
Sl Pipe Name of the Location State District Dimension Remarks
No pipe of pipe
1 P-1 Wajrakarur pipe 0.5km N of Andhra Anantapur 1080x180m Diamondiferous,
Wajrakarur Pradesh partly altered and
yellow ground covered
under 3m soil
2 P-2 Wajrakarur E 2.5km E of Do Do 380x70m Diamondiferous,
Wajrakarur
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pipe Harderock steel grey
outcrops
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3 P-3 Lattavaram About 1 to 1.5 Do Do 120x40m Diamondiferus, Highly
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km east of of weathered, kimberlite,
Lattavaram.
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covered by 1.56m
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kimberlite calcrete
4 P-4 Do Do Do Y Do 365x130m Most of the kimberlite
is yellow ground
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5 P-5 Muligiripal pipe 1.5km E of Do Do 240x45m Non-diamondiferous,
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Muligiripalle, under less than a

Topsheet No. :
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meter calcrete cover

57E/5
6 P-6 Wajrakarur W 2km W of Do Do 260x240m Diamondiferous,
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pipe Wajrakarur & highly weathered and

300m N of altered kimberlite
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Kottakuta tank.
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7 P-7 Venkatampalle 0.5km E of Do Do 1.2x0.5 to Diamondiferous, dyke

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pipe (dyke) Venkatampalle 30m enlargements capped

by calcrete
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8 P-8 Lattavaram 1 to 1.5 Do Do 110x55m Diamondiferous, no

km east of outcrops, covered
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Lattavaram. under 1m thick

calcrete
9 P-9 Do 1.5km NE of Do Do 37x21m Diamondiferous, no
Lattavoram outcrops, covered
under 1m thick
calcrete
10 P-10 Anumpalle Pipe 0.75km W of Do Do 1200x1000m Diamondiferous,
Anumpalle, covered by 1.5m
Topsheet No. : kimberlitic calcrete
57F/9
11 P-11 Dibasanipalle 0.5km.SSE of Do Do 143x82m Diamondiferous,
pipe Dibasanipalle,
Topsheet No. :
57F/9
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Dossier on Diamond

No pipe of pipe
12 P-12 Chitalampalle 1km W of Do Do 130x40m Non-Diamondiferous,

pipe Chintalampalle melanocratic outcrops;
highly weathered and
carbonated
13 P-13 Tummatapalle 2.5km NE of Do Do 125x100m Not tested, weathered

Tummatapalle and altered kimberlite
capped by calcrete
14 P-14 Bodesanipalli NW of Do Do Diamondiferous

pipe Dibasanipalle
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15 P-15 N of P-2 Do Do 30x190m No diamond
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Chigicherla Cluster
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Sl Pipe Name of the Location State YDistrict Dimension Remarks
No pipe of pipe
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1 CC-1 Chigicherla Topsheet No. : Andhra Anantapur 315x 185m Diamondiferous, a

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57F/10 Pradesh few melanocratic

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outcrops, rest of the

body covered under
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2 CC-2 Do Topsheet No. : Do Do 200x175m Diamondiferous, a

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57F/10 few melanocratic

outcrops, rest of the
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1.5m soil
3 CC-3 Do Topsheet No. : Do Do 70x15m Non Diamondiferous,
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57F/10 melanocratic
4 CC-4 Golapalle 1.5 km W of Do Do 125x100m Diamondiferous,
Golapalle melanocratic outcrops,
fringing an highly
altered weathered
kimberlite in the centre
5 CC-5 Do 1km NE of Do Do 220x70 Diamondiferous.

Gollapalle melanocratic rock
(with occasional
autoliths) and yellow
ground
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Kalyandurg Cluster
No pipe of pipe
1 KL-1 Pillapalle 1km NNE Andhra Anantapur 350x250m Diamondiferous,
of Pillapalle- Pradesh highly weathered
57F/2 & carbonated with
abundant macrocrysts
of ilmenite
2 KL-2 Mupalakunta 1.5 km N 0f Do Do 100x80m Diamondiferous,
mupalakunta covered under
calcrete; megacryst
of ilmenite, eclogite
& kyanite-bearing
eclogite nodule
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recovered
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3 KL-3 Nagireddipalle 0.5 km NNW Do Do 450x250m Non Diamondife-
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of Nagireddi rous, covered under
1.5m thick calcrete
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soil. Ilmenite megacry-
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sts occur over the
Y kimberlite
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Timmasamudram Cluster
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No pipe of pipe
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1 TK-1 Timmasamudram Lat14031’ 45’ Andhra Do Not known, presence

Lon. 770 18’30” Pradesh of picro-ilmenite,
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Topsheet No. : spinel & chrome

57F/16 diopside
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2 TK-2 Do Do Do Do Not known

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3 TK-3 Do Left bank of Do Do Oval shaped No diamond, kim-

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Penner river 50x30m berlite is highly

1.5 km WSW weathered with 1m
of Timmasam- thick calcrete cover.
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udram village
4 TK-4 Do 0.6km SE of Do Do Crescent The biggest crystal
TK-2 shaped 4.37 crt. avg 0.26 crt.
14m x Pro-cessing of 208
tonnes yielded 509
diamonds weighs
133.13 crs. grade 64
cpht. All gem
5 TK-5 Do 80m E and Do Do Not known, chrome
ENE of TK-1 diopside, spinel and
picroilmenite
6 TK-6 Do 200m SW of Do Do 40-60m Not known, further
TK-1 length study in progress
40m wide
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B. MADDUR -NARAYANPET KIMBERLITE FIELD

Narayanpet Cluster
No pipe of pipe
1 NK-1 Narayanpet 2km N of Andhra Mahaboobna- Not known Porphyritic kimb-
Narayanpet Pradesh gar erlite boulders
floating in a high-
ly weathered alt-
ered carbonated
“yellow ground”
2 NK-2 Perapalli 2km W of Per- Do Do Not known Outcrop of unalt-
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apalli & 1km E ered kimberlite in
of NK-1 a flat terrain
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3 NK-3 Mudalabid 1.5km E of Do Do Not known Exposed in a well
Mudalabad section and is
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highly weathered.
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Contains mantle
Y xenoliths,
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chrome diopside,
phlogopite and
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olivine
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4 NK-4 Damargidda 1.5km SW of Do Do Not known Highly weathered,

Damargidda yellowish in
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olivine
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5 NK-5 Sajanapur East 1 km east of Do Do 1mx1m Hard and compact

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Sajanpur variety, with

phenocrysts
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of olivine and
ilmenite
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6 NK-6 Sajanapur ENE 2 km ENE of Do Do Not known Contains pheno-

Sajanpur crysts of olivine
and phlogopite
7 NK-7 Putpak 1 km north of Karnataka Gulbarga Not known Weathered
Putpak yellowish kimbe-
rlite with phenoc-
rysts of phlogop-
ite & a few crustal
xenoliths
8 NK-8 Keshwar 1.5 NNM Do Do Not known Black, hard and
Keshwar compact with phe-
nocrysts of olivine
and ilmenite
31

No pipe of pipe
9 NK-9 Narzapur 0.75 km WSW Do Do Not known Melanocratic,
of Narzapur hard, compact
with phenocrysts
of olivine and
ilmenite.
10 NK-10 Himalapur 2.5km SW of Do Do Not known Hard, steel grey
Himalapur in colour, porphy-
ritic with fresh
olivine phenocry-
sts greyish soil
with calcrete
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nodule noticed
over the concea-
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led weathered
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kimberlite
F
Maddur Cluster
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Sl Pipe Name of the Location State Y District Dimension Remarks
No pipe of pipe
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1 MK-1 Appireddipalli 5km SE of Andhra Mahaboobnagar 65x20m Few outcrops of

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Maddur, Pradesh unlaltered, steel

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Topsheet No. : grey kimberlite

56H/9
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2 MK-2 Maddur 4km SE of Do Do 120x33m Moderate high

Sekimerht Maddur, ground with cap-
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Topsheet No. : ing of kimberlite

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56H/9 calcrete
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3 MK-3 Maddur Se 4km SE of Do Do 150x52m Kimberlite

Kimberlite Maddur; 100m calcrete
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N of MK-2
4 MK-4 Maddur Tanda 1.5km NW of Do Do 80x35m Weathered, altered
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MK-1 & 3.5km yellow ground

SE of Maddur
5 MK-5 Pidiripahad 2km NE of Do Do Dyke Linear dyke
Kimberlite Pidiripahad body with good
exposures
6 MK-6 Nidijinta 2km W of Do Do Dyke Weathered, alter-
Nidijinta & 500 ed, carbonated,
Eof micaceous rock
MK-2&3 (yellow ground)
7 MK-7 Duppatogother 500m N of Do Do Dyke Highly weathered,
Duppatgottu altered yellow
ground, fracture
controlled
emplacement
32
Dossier on Diamond

No pipe of pipe
8 MK-8 Kazipur 1km SSE of Do Do Not known Exposed in a
Kazipur well section with
crustal xenoliths
of pink granite.
Phenocrysts of
olivine & phlogo-
pite are noticed
contain chrome
diopside &
ilmenite
9 MK-9 Monapuram 1.5km E of Do Do Not known Weathered rock
Monapuram in a well; heavy
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mineral concentr-
ates contains
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garnet, chrome
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diopside and
zircon
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10 MK-10 Gokapasalwad 3km SSE of Do Do Not known Exposed in a
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Chellapur & well section
3.8km ESE of Y with crustal &
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Gokapasalwad mantle xenoliths,
Chrome diopside,
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phlogopite, ilme-
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nite and olivine

present in hand
specimen
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11 MK-11 Kamusanipally 1.5km ESE of Do Do Not known Weathered

Kamusanipalli, yellowish brown
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Topsheet No. : rock

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56H/9
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Kotakonda Cluster (Non diamondiferous)

EO

No pipe of pipe
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1 KK-1 Kotakonda 15km of Andhra Do 2kmx50m Hard steel grey

Kotakonda Pradesh kimberlite with
yellow ground
capped by calcrete
2 KK-2 Vinijanur 1.5 km WNW Do Do Extension of Highly weathered,

of Vinjamur KK-1 altered, yellowish
green kimberlite
with occasional
steel grey hard
kimberlite
fragments
33

No pipe of pipe
3 KK-3 Abhangapur 1.5 km E of Do Do Not known E-W trending dyke
Abhangapur like body. Highly
weathered altered
yellow ground
4 KK-4 Ramannapalle 2 km NW of Do Do Not known Highly weathered
Vinjamur altered yellow
ground
5 KK-5 Bommanpahad 1.5 km SW of Do Do Not known Kimberlite is hig-

Bommanpahad hly weathered,
yellowish in colo-
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ur with altered
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olivine phenocry-
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sts & phlogopite.
A few picroilm-
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enites noticed in
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the heavy mineral
Y concentrate.
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6 KK-6 Ammireddipalle 0.5 km E of Do Do 20x10-12 m Hard, dark
Ammireddi- green colour
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palle rock, extremely

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fine grained,
inequigranular
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with small laths/

macrocrysts with
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crustal xenoliths
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7 KK-7 Kamusanpalle 2 km SSW of Do Do 80x20 m Hard, dark green

Kamusanpalle rock, extremely
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fine grained,
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inequigranular
in texture with
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crustal xenoliths
Bhima Cluster
No pipe of pipe
1 BK-1 Bewanahalli 4.5 km ESE of Karnataka Gulberga Not known Few chrome
Bewanahalli diopside and
ilmenite
2 BK-2 Bewanahalli SE corner of Do Do Not known Weathered
Bewanahalli greenish
kimberlite
34
Dossier on Diamond

No pipe of pipe
3 BK-3 Shivapur 1.5km SSW of Do Do 70x20m Highly weathered

Shivapuri greenish
kimberlite exposed
by pitting below
1-1.5m thick black
clay
4 BK-4 Yagapur 2.5km WSW Do Do Not known Exposed 2m

of Yagapur below soil cover;
highly weathered,
carbonated and
serpentinised
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5 BK-5 Gondagera Tanda 0.5km WSW Do Do 240x90m Serpentinised
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of Yagapur olivine,
phlogopite,
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Chrome Diopside
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and opaques
Y
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6 BK-6 Sutar Hosahalli 2.5km NNW Do Do Not known Not known
of Sutar Chrome Diopside
Hosahalli
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C. TUNGABHADRA KIMBERLITE FIELD

Mantralayam Cluster
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No pipe of pipe
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1 MNK-1 Mantralayam Near Andhra Kurnool 240x90m Indicator minerals olivine,

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Pipe Gangavaram Pradesh pyrope & almndine garnet,

15 055’ 19” mg-chromite, picroil-
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770 29’ 18”

Topsheet No. : menite and chrome spinel
57E/5
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2 MNK-2 Mantralayam Ibrahimpur Do Do Spread in an G-5 garnet

Pipe area of 0.405
hectae
3 MNK-3 Mantralayam 1.75km ENE Do Do 60x10m Garnet, spinel chrome

Pipe, Kottala -1 of Kottala vill. diopside, ilmenites
15 054’ 26”
770 29’ 11”
57E/5
4 MNK-4 Kottala -2 500m NE of Do Do 10x20m Garnet, spinel and ilmenite
Kottala
15 054’ 14”
770 28’ 36”
57E/5
35
Chagapuram Cluster
Sl Pipe No Name of the Location State District Dimension of Remarks
pipe pipe
1 CGK-1 Chagapuram Chagapuram Andhra Mahaboob- 300x400m Chrome pyrope,

village Pradesh nagar picro ilmenite,
chrome spinel
2 CGK-2 Do Chagapuram Do Do 200x250m Do
village
3 CGK-3 Do Chagapuram Do Do 650m x 200m Do

village
4 CGK-4 Do Chagapuram Do Do 160m x70m. Do
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village
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Siddampalle Cluster
F
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Sl Pipe No Name of the Location State District Dimension of Remarks
pipe Y pipe
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1 SK-1 Siddampalle 2km Andhra Gadwal 100x65m Hardebank variety.
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N25E of Pradesh heavy from

Siddampalle weathered samples
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yielded ilmenite,
spinel, chrome
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diopside, rare garnet

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2 SK-2 Do 1.5km Do Do 110x50m Concealed body

N10W of with calcrete cover
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Mallapuram
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Tanda
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3 SK-3 Do Do Do 20x15m Concealed body

with calcrete
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D. RAICHUR KIMBERLITE FIELD

Raichur Cluster
Sl Pipe No Name of the Location State District Dimension Remarks
pipe of pipe
1 RK-1 Undraldoddi 750m SW of Karnataka Do 700x190m Largest kimberlite in
Undraldoddi Karnataka. chrome
spinel, chrome diop-
side, garnet, phlogopite,
perovskite, enstatite &
zircon
36
Dossier on Diamond
Sl Pipe No Name of the Location State District Dimension Remarks

pipe of pipe
2 RK-2 Metti Malkapur 300m east of Do Do 110x80m Contains autoliths and
crustal xenoliths
3 RK-3 Maliabad 700m WSW Do Do Not known Kimberlite covered

of Maliabad under 1-2m thick soil
4 Recent Turkandoni 300m Do Do 100m in Serpentinised olivine and

discovery south of diameter chrome diopside
(2009-10) Turkandoni
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Topsheet No.
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: 57E/5
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5 Do Do 300 m west of Do Do Not known Olivine macrocryst in
the above a fine grained serpenti-
F
nised matrix
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Y
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The investigations carried out established that the diamond source rocks are associated with the Palaeo to Neoproterozoic
Sakoli and Cumbum conglomerates, Neoproterozoic lamproites, kimberlites, Vindhyan and Banganapalle conglomerates,
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(?) Jurassic Gollapalle conglomerates, Cretaceous lamproitic dykes and Quaternary river gravels. These are found in
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four cratonic masses in the Peninsular India, namely Dharwar, Bundelkhand, Singhbhum and Bastar, which occupy
approximately 1million sq km. of this, about 0.1 million sqkm is identified as potential based on the old mining activity,
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geological setting, and distribution of diamonds and their source rocks. For search of diamonds, surveys including photo-
geology & remote sensing, geological mapping, heavy mineral sampling and geophysical were carried out by GSI in over
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75,000 sq km. Multi-sensor airborne surveys, by Twin Otter aircraft, were conducted over 60,000 sq km at different
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altitudes and line spacing.

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The multi-disciplinary database pertaining to potential areas are sketchy and most scattered. Geological database available
includes systematic geological maps on various scales inclusive of various themes like lithology, structure, geomorphology,
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etc used for holistic prognostications. Geophysical data includes heat flow map of India. Three low heat flow provinces
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are identified which are correlatable with diamondiferous kimberlite/ lamproite occurrences. They are 1) The Hyderabad
– Bangalore province defined by a cool 40 mWm-2 .The heat flow values fall to 30 mWm-2 in the central portion, coinciding
with the core of the Dharwar Craton. This province hosts more than 100 kimberlite/lamproite intrusives. 2) The E-W
trending Panna province in the Central India defined by 40 mWm-2 heat flow contour. This province hosts a number of
diamondiferous lamproite fields. The only diamond mine in India i.e. Majghawan Mine is present within the periphery
of the low heat flow trough. 3) The NW-SE trending low heat flow trough is present to the south east of Nagpur. The
Central Indian Kimberlites of Mainpur and Bastar are located in this low heat flow values. The density of heat flow data in
the Indian sub-continent is not sufficient for a precise location of low heat flow domains for prognosticating kimberlite/
lamproite occurrences in the hitherto unexplored favorable provinces. The regional gravity map of India (10 mgal contour
interval) is available from databases generated by various agencies. The gravity data is useful for deciphering the large-
scale geotectonic controls defining favourable areas for kimberlite/lamproite fields. Apart from the above geophysical
data, aero-magnetic data mainly generated by GSI and to some extent by other earth science organizations is available
for majority of the potential cratonic areas. But the existing aero-magnetic maps is of little help to target the primary
source rocks like kimberlite/lamproite directly from the database as the data generated are of higher altitude and wider
37
flight spacing (120 m flight height and 500m flight line spacing).The requirement for diamond exploration programmes
is quite stringent which can be met only by low flying heli-borne high resolution magnetic sensors(about 80-100m flight
height and 100-150 m flight line spacing). Still the available AMSE air borne magnetic maps are of use for deciphering
regional magnetic linears like faults/dykes/litho structural breaks, etc. and their intersections, which are favourable loci
for kimberlite/lamproite intrusions. High-resolution aeromagnetic data (HRAM) are interpreted in terms of depth to
magnetic sources, source shape and boundaries. These interpretations are used to develop a geologic interpretation such as
the type of magnetic feature and structure. Apart from these database during the course of various diamond exploration
programmes detailed geophysical surveys (magnetic, gravity, resistivity and seismic) had been taken up on a more detailed
scale in selected blocks mainly as part of National Diamond Programme (NDP - 1980-87).
The use of state-of-the-art techniques in diamond exploration programmes in the country is somewhat recent. GSI, which
has been carrying out exploration for search of kimberlite/lamproite since 1960s, using traditional techniques, made
efforts to acquire modern facilities since late 1980s. Kimberlite/Lamproite discoveries during 1960-80 came from field
mapping and detailed ground geophysics. More discoveries came since 1990s, based on the conceptual approach, use of
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remote sensing techniques, integration of geological and geophysical data (ground and airborne), acquisition of modern
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laboratory equipment such as EPMA & SEM-EDX for analysing indicator minerals and software for processing of digital
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and field geological and geophysical data, experience/expertise developed by the field parties, etc. GSI is familiar with the
various traditional exploration techniques and has been using them from time to time except the airborne multi spectral
F
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scanning and helicopter surveys. The State Departments engaged in diamond exploration have acquired some modern
facilities and trained their man-power through collaboration with UNDP/other countries.The database developed by the
Y
GSI has been very useful for taking investment decisions by the MNCs.
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Exploration by MNC
R
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The liberalization of our National Mineral Policy in 1993 paved the way for entry of private entrepreneurs, including
those from overseas for carrying out diamond exploration. As a result of implementation of new Mineral Policy, many
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multinational companies have staked their claims for exploration of diamond.

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The liberalization of our National Mineral Policy in 1993 paved the way for entry of private entrepreneurs, including
those from overseas for carrying out diamond exploration. As a result of implementation of new Mineral Policy, many
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multinational companies have staked their claims for exploration of diamond.

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Rio Tinto has been actively exploring for diamonds in India since 2001 and has so far discovered over 40 lamproites
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and kimberlites in India. Some of the diamondiferous pipes are located in Damoh area near Panna. The Bunder project
includes a cluster of eight lamproite pipes hosted by flat-lying Proterozoic sedimentary rocks. Drilling and sampling has
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so far focussed on the Atri lamproite, two coalesced pipes with a surface area of 17 hectares. The pipe is exposed along
its south-western margin but elsewhere is covered by up to 23 metres of colluvium.
CRA Exploration India discovered some kimberlite pipes in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh some of which are
located in Cuddapah Basin. De Beers India Ltd has applied for a number of PL for diamond investigation on the basis of
positive results collected during their RP period in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh.
Demand for diamond

In the recent years, India has developed into a major centre for diamond industry. It has rapidly become the world’s leader
in fashioning the imported rough diamonds. The growth of the Indian diamond industry is one of the most successful
stories in the country. Indian global business in the diamond industry progressed leaps and bounds to become the second
largest foreign exchange earner, next only to software products and services. The Indian diamond industry, because of
high skills of the artisans and cheap cost of labour, has an edge over other countries and placed itself much ahead of
38
Dossier on Diamond
others. The industry, expanded vastly in the 1980s, consumes about 85 to 90% by volume of world production. In the last
four decades, the volume and value of the diamond business in the country has increased four times, as a result India has
now become the Global King of Diamonds.
In view of its superior finishing, the Indian diamonds have a good demand in the International market, especially in USA,
Hong Kong, Belgium, Japan, Israel, Thailand, UAE, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The exports
from India are likely to go up even further. The present supply of raw diamond only meet a fraction of the industry’s
requirement and will have to depend on imports of rough stones for a long time. In this context it becomes even more
important to plan for intensifying diamond exploration in all the potential areas in the country to augment diamond
resources.
Potential areas for future diamond exploration
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The kimberlites and lamproites are rare and small volume bodies. Modern exploration programmes to search for kimberlites
and lamproites involve a combination of techniques comprising remote sensing, geochemistry, stream sediment sampling
D
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and geophysics. Locating kimberlites and lamproites is an expensive affair and time consuming as they occur sporadically
and that too as small volume bodies. The problem of its detection in field is further complicated by their fragile nature
F
which renders them vulnerable to quick disintegration resulting in near obliteration of their natural existence. Traditional
O
mapping techniques are less effective in view of relatively small size and restricted distribution of these rocks. Going by
Y
the available data on the number of kimberlite/lamproite pipes known and the number of diamond producing mines the
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world over, it emerges broadly that out of every 100 pipes discovered, only 10 turn out to be diamondiferous. Of these
R
10, only one would eventually be economically viable. The five to six thousand kimberlites and lamproites discovered to
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date the world over, resulted in about 20 major mining operations and an additional 70 to 100 smaller operations. These
figures eloquently reflect the magnitude of risk and effort involved in diamond exploration.
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Based on the geological milieu, tectonic setting, heat-flow regimes, gravity and magnetic data, distribution of known
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primary and secondary sources for diamond, etc. the cratonic areas to the north of the Southern Granulite Belt (SGT)
G
and to the west and north of the Easter Ghats Granulite Belt are considered as the most favoured areas for search of
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Kimberlites (Ks) and Lamproites (Ls) in the Peninsular India. For prognostication of kimberlite in India two different
areas have been broadly classified namely Priority - I and - II (Fig. 6.5). ‘Fermor line‘separates broadly the cratonic gneisses
EO
from the granulite terrains. The hitherto known diamondiferous kimberlites and lamproites may not be the primary
source rocks for all the diamonds found in the vast stretches of conglomerate and gravel in different provinces. Better
G
understanding of the Achaean-Proterozoic tectonics, various tectono-thermal events, heat-flow regimes, etc. will broadly
guide in delineating favourable target areas such as ‘archons’ and ‘protons’ for kimberlite/lamproite exploration. Besides,
detailed morphological studies of diamonds occurring in the secondary source rocks vis-à-vis the known primary rocks
may lead to identifying new target areas for search of Ks/Ls.
The Peninsular India with several Archaean-Proterozoic nuclei is criss-crossed by many deep-seated fractures. These
nuclei, underlain by thick lithospheric mantle roots, have witnessed different events of kimberlite, lamproite magmatism.
The NW–SE trending fractures and /or their intersections with NE-SW to ENE-WSW trending fractures appear to be
major loci for emplacement of kimberlites/lamproites. High level (crater facies) kimberlites and lamproites are generally
expected in the Aravalli and Bastar cratons in view of their emplacement into the platformal sediments. However,
occurrences of large pipes cannot be ruled out in Cuddapah Basin and even in highly eroded granite-greenstone terrain
in the Dharwar Craton where 20 to 60 ha size diamondiferous kimberlite pipes have been found.
39
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Fig. 6.5 : Regional Prognostication for Kimberlite Search in India
40
Dossier on Diamond
GSI has tentatively identified about 3 lakh sq km area in four cratons, viz. Bundelkhand Craton in the north, Dharwar
Craton in the south, Singhbhum Craton in the east and Bastar Craton in Central as most potential area for search of
diamonds including other gemstones in India. For diamond exploration on a regional scale, Archaean cratons are the
most promising areas and includes both primary (kimberlites/lamproites) and secondary source rocks (conglomerates and
gravels) for diamond which are grouped into 3 regions :
1. South Indian tract of Andhra Pradesh (SIDP), comprising Archaean age Dharwar Craton
2. Central Indian tract of Madhya Pradesh (CIDP) comprising Bundhelkhand and Bastar Craton and
3. Eastern Indian tract of mostly Chhattisgarh and Orissa (EIDP), lying between Mahanadi and Godavari valleys
comprising Singhbum craton
Clusters of kimberlite bodies have been located in the Dharwar Craton near Wajrakarur, Chigicherla, Chelima,
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Mahabubnagar, and Anantapur in parts of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas in Raichur and Gulbarga districts of
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Karnataka. The series of recent discoveries coupled with onducive geological milieu indicate that there is still scope for
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finding many more pipes. The diamondiferous Banganapalle Conglomerate of flat-lying Kurnool platformal sediments has
to be reexamined for delineation of economically potential palaeo-placer zones. A perusal of the location and distribution
F
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of the extensive diamondiferous conglomerates and gravel deposits in the Krishna and Pennar drainage basins clearly
show that the few kimberlites and lamproites so far known could not have been the only source for the vast secondary
Y
deposits. Further, it is difficult to visualize that the large diamonds such as the Great Moghul, the Orloff, the Kohinoor,
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etc found in the Krishna gravels near Kolluru, Paritala, etc to have been transported over a distance of 300km from the
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known Wajrakarur kimberlites. The paleocurrent studies of the Banganapalle sediments indicated provenance to the
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southwest and northwest of the Cuddapah Basin. It is therefore, apparent that a number of kimberlites/lamproites exists
and lie undetected in the soil covered areas south, west and north of the Cuddapah Basin and within the basin itself. The
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known source rocks tested so far are not of much economic significance and therefore intensive efforts are needed to
identify additional primary host rocks for diamond. Concealed kimberlite bodies buried under thick pile of Krishna river
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gravel have to be brought to light. The ultrabasic complexes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala where some stray occurrences of
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diamonds are reported need to be checked for locating rocks of kimberlitic and lamproitic affinity.
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Recent finds of the kimberlites in Payalikhand, Tokapal and diamond occurrences at Raigarh have opened up new vistas
EO
for search and the need for reexamining the hitherto less studied Bastar craton of Central India. The scope for discovering
many more kimberlite/lamproite bodies in this craton seems to be high.
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In the Bundelkhand craton of Northern India, kimberlite bodies at Panna, Majhgawan, Hinota, Angore and lamproite
bodies at Jungel are the primary source rocks. Panna is the only diamond producing centre. There is ample scope for the
location of new kimberlite bodies in this tract particularly concealed bodies. Vindhyan conglomerate and sandstone of
Rewa and Kaimur Groups in Panna have to be carefully explored for diamond-bearing horizons.
In Singhbhum craton covering parts of Bihar/Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal diamond occurrences around Hirakud,
Sambalpur in Orissa, Sumelpur in Jharkhand/Bihar, Gangapaur in West Bengal are from Quaternary to Recent alluvial
gravel horizons. The source rocks for the diamonds have to be looked for in the lamprophyres emplaced in Gondwana
coal-bearing sediments and other possible hidden kimberlite piples beneath the cover of Vindhyan sediments.
Several basic and ultrabasic bodies found within the Upper Proterozoic sediments have to be examined closely. The basal
conglomerate beds of Chattisgarh, Naryanpur, Indravati, Sabari need to be carefully studied for locating diamond-bearing
beds similar to those of Banganapalle in the Cuddapah Basin.
41
After the discovery of diamonds in the olivine lamproites in Argyle, Prairie Creek, Ellendale lamprophyres are being
reexamined thoughout the world. All lamprophyres including those of the Gondwana Group of rocks in India have to
be investigated for diamonds.
As per records in ancient Indian scriptures diamonds are reported in Himalayan mountain ranges. The precise locations,
however, are not known. Across the Indian border, China has recently located several kimberlite bodies and has found
the famous Changlin diamond. Basic volcanics and ultrabasic intrusives of Himalayan region may be looked for presence
of diamantion.
Based on the known diamond occurrences, diamond-host rocks and geological and tectonic set up, potential/ promising
area identified for search of kimberlites and lamproites are as follows:
a. Granite-greenstone terrain hosting the known Wajrakarur, Raichur and Narayanpet kimberlite fields in Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka and adjacent areas. Areas hither to not explored, not known for diamonds/Ks/Ls and
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capped by the black soil may also be targeted for search.
D
IN
b. Marginal areas occupied by the Proterozoic sedimentary basins and also thin Deccan Trap cover areas in Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka.
F
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c. Area occupied by the Nallamalai Fold Belt in the eastern part of the Cuddapah Basin.
d.
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Area between the north eastern corner of the Cuddapah Basin and the Pakhal Basin, particularly occupied by
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the Munneru, Dindi and the Paleru river basins.
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e. Western part of the Bastar Craton in Maharashtra

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f. Areas occupied by the Mainpur and Tokapal kimberlite fields and marginal areas occupied by the Chhattisgarh,
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Pairi-Khariar, Singora, Indravati, Sabari and Albaka sedimentary basins in Chhattisgarh Basin.
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g. Area adjoining the Raigarh metamorphic belt in Chhattisgarh.

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h. Granitic terrain adjoining the Khariar sedimentary basin in Orissa

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i. Areas covered by the Ib, Tel and Mand river basins in Orissa
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j. Panna Diamond Belt and its surrounding Bundelkhand Granite terrain in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
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42
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Part – II
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DiAmond Provinces in India

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Dossier on Diamond
Chapter – 1
CENTRAL INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (CIDP)
The Central Indian Diamond Province (CIDP) consists of primary and secondary source rocks. The province confined to
the Bundelkhand Craton, occupies the central and northern parts of the country and is spread over the states of Madhya
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is bordered on the south and east by the Narmada-Son Lineament. Its western extent is
obscured by thick desert sands and northern extent by the Gangetic alluvium. The Bundelkhand Craton is represented by
basement rocks comprising primarily Bundhelkhand Granites (~2400 Ma) and gneisses along with small enclaves of older
metamorphic rocks such as sericite quartzite, banded magnetite quartzite, quartz-hornblende schist, garnetiferous mica
schist and amphibolites and basic and ultrabasic intrusive rocks. The Vindhyan Supergroup sediments of Meso to mid
Neo-Proterozoic rocks with an age range from 1631 ± 8Ma to 550Ma overlie the Archaean basement of the Bundelkhand
Granite and Gneiss. The Vindhyan rocks comprising a sequence of sandstone, shale and limestone are divided into Semri,
Kaimur, Rewa and Bhander groups of rocks respectively in assending order.
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The southern margin of the Vindhyan Basin is flanked by a major tectonic lineament of the Indian sub-continent, the
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Narmada-Son lineament, which is considered to have been formed along the Archaean structural trends and to have
remained active throughout geological history till the present day. Seismic investigations have revealed the existence of
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several E–W deep fractures underlying the Vindhyans, some of which extend down to the Moho. These fractures have
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been interpreted to be of Archaean age and vertical movements along them have been inferred to be operational at
different times during the deposition of the Vindhyan sediments. Y
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Kimberlitic rocks discovered in this province are only a few and sporadic and are reported from the Bundelkhand Granite
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terrain whereas the olivine lamproites reported from the Vindhyan Basin adjoining the granitic terrain, form significant
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prospects.
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

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Panna Diamond Field

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Introduction
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The 80 km long and 40-50 km wide ENE-WSW to NE-SW trending Panna Diamond Belt with established ancient mining
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activity is located within the CIDP. Sporadic diamond mining has been continued in this belt for nearly 400 years. This
is the only belt where active mining for diamond is presently carried out in the country. The diamond belt occurs on the
northern fringes of the Vindhyan Plateau in Panna and adjoining districts of Madhya Pradesh (Fig. 1.1) and is bounded
by latitudes 240 30’: 250 00’ and longitudes 800 00’: 800 45’ covering about 4000 sq km area. Diamonds occur in recent
gravels, conglomeratic horizons in the Vindhyan Supergroup sediments and in kimberlite/lamproite pipes intrusive into
the above sediments. Even lateritic caps over sandstone are diamond bearing. The diamonds are largely of gem variety
and off-colour.
Accessibility
Panna, a small town and district headquarter is in the western part of the belt. It is well connected by road, 70km from
Satna on Allahabad Bombay section of Central Railway and 200 km from Jhansi on Delhi-Madras trunk section. The
nearest airport, Khajuraho, is at a distance of 40 km and is connected to Delhi and Varanasi. The western part of the
diamond belt is in the Panna National Park and is normally not available for exploration.
45
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GahadaRA Sandstone Formation

JHIRI SHALE Formation
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Itwa sandstone formation

Panna shale formation
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baghaIn Sandstone formation

Palkawan Shale Formation
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Pandwafall sandstone formation

bundelkhand granite
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older metamorphics
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Kimberlite diatreme
Ultrabasic / kimberlite dyke
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basic dykes
conglomerate working
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alluvial gravel working
laterite gravel working
Fig. 1.1 : Geological Map of Panna Diamond Belt, Panna and Satna districts, Madhya Pradesh
46
Dossier on Diamond
Geological set-up
The area (Fig. 1.1) is represented by basement rocks comprising Bundelkhand Granites (2400 Ma approx.) with enclaves
of older metamorphics such as sericite quarzite, banded magnetite quartzite, quartz-hornblende schist, garnetiferous mica
schist and amphibolites.
Bundelkhand Granite is a composite mass of different phases of granite, ranging in composition from granite to tonalite
and minor diorite variants. The bulk of the granite consists of coarse grained pink porphyritic granite, medium grained
pink non-porphyritic granite and grey granite. The granites and older metamorphics are traversed by numerous dolerite,
olivine-dolerite, basalt, olivine-basalt, gabbro, pyroxenite, peridotite, lamprophyre and possible kimberlite dykes. Syenite,
micro-granite, pegmatite, aplite and quartz veins have also been recorded from granites.
The Vidhyan Supergroup of Proterozoic age overlies the basement with an unconformity. The Vindhyans are represented
by a sequence of sandstone, shale and limestone. They have been divided into Semri, Kaimur, Rewa and Bhander groups
of rocks respectively in order of younging. The Gahadara Sandstone surface is dotted by outliers of Deccan Trap basalt
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(60-110Ma approx.) and laterites.
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The Vindhyans host a major share of diamonds of the Panna Diamond Belt because of the occurrence of Majhgawan
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and Hinota diamondiferrous kimberlites/lamproites and the diamondiferous conglomerates towards top of the Itwa
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Sandstone, at the base of the Jhiri Shale and, towards top of the Gahadara Sandstone.
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Lithostratigraphic succession of the rocks of the Panna Diamond Belt is presented in Table 1.1.
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Exploration
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Since the independence, Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Mineral Development Corporation Limited
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(NMDC) have been associated with exploration in the Panna Diamond Belt to establish diamond resources of both
primary and secondary origin and to identify potential areas for exploration/exploitation. The adjoining cratonic area
of Bundelkhand was also examined and a few ultrabasic and basic bodies were identified. The GSI carried out regional
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exploration (Reconnaissance stage: UNFC G-4) over a large part of the belt and General exploration (UNFC G-2) of the
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two pipes, and two conglomeratic blocks at Hatupur and Sahidan.

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Under the National Diamond Project (NDP) during Phase-I (1980-85) and Phase-II (1985-88), GSI carried out geological,
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geochemical and geophysical surveys and drilling whereas MECL carried out deep-pitting and shaft-sinking and NMDC
did bulk sample processing. During the Phase-I, search for potential areas in respect of primary and secondary rocks
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was done in about 3,030 sq km by photogeological mapping; 9,350 sq km by systematic mapping; 1,350 sq km by
geomorphological mapping (all on 1:50,000 scale), 567 sq km by large scale mapping (1:12,500 scale) and 7 sq km by
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detailed mapping (1:5,000 scale). Besides, 1,200 sq km area was covered by geochemical surveys and 100 sq km by
geophysical surveys. Detailed exploration was carried out by drilling, bulk sample collection and processing to recover
diamonds. After completion of regional multidisciplinary surveys for locating primary source rocks during Phase-1 under
NDP, GSI carried out multisensor aerogeophysical surveys in the Bundelkhand Craton forming parts of south-western
Uttar Pradesh and north-eastern Madhya Pradesh during 2000-02. Total 13,735 sq km area was flown at 500 m line interval
with a mean terrain clearance of 150 m (Fig. 1.2). Interpretation of aeromagnetic and spectrometric data was completed
and 16 blocks were recommended for ground check-up for identifying possible kimberlitic/lamproitic bodies.
The diamond bearing lamproite pipe at Majhgawan, the only diamond-producing pipe in the country, is being mined by
NMDC with an average annual production of 16,000 carats and also exploration for new pipe rocks in Panna and Satna
districts is being undertaken by NMDC. The lamproite pipe at Hinota has low diamond incidence and is not workable.
NMDC also took up mining of a large gravel block at Ramkheria but abandoned the work due to operational difficulties.
The extension of Hatupur conglomerate block has been explored by MECL. Localised mining in the diamondiferous
Vindhyan conglomerates, and Baghain River and surface lateritic gravels is being done by the private enterprises.
47
Table 1.1 : Lithostratigraphic succsession of Panna Diamond Belt
Age Super group Group Formation Member Lithology
Recent to Alluvium with diamondiferous gravel beds at

Quaternary the base
Diamondiferous and non-diamondiferous
lateritic gravel veneer
60-110 Ma Deccan Trap Two basaltic flows, partly lateritised
Cretaceous (?) (?) Infra-trappeans Purple and white sandstone
Unconformity
Lower to Rewa Group Pink and white, medium grained sandstone with
Gahadara
Middle diamondiferous conglomerate
Sandstone
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Proterozoic
Green and yellow shale and siltstone with
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Jhiri Shale diamondiferous conglomerate at the base and as
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interbeds
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Itwa Rohania White, medium grained sandstone with
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Sandstone Sandstone diamondiferous conglomerate
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Pindhra Chocolate and green shale
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Shale
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Bhulwa Limestone and chert

Panna Shale
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Limestone
Banbiha Greenish, glauconite sandstone
Sandstone
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KIMBERLITE DIATREMES
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Kaimur Group Baghain White, medium grained sandstone.

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Sandstone
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974-1120 Ma Palkawan Reddish conglomerate with jasper.

Shale
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1250 Ma Semri Group Pipartola Greenish glauconite sandstone

Conglomerate
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Pandwafall Black, grey, yellow and white shale.

Sand stone
Unconformity
2400 Ma Intrusives Basalt, dolerite, gabbro, pyroxenite, lamprophyre
and kimberlite (?) dykes
Bundelkhand Granites/
Granites Aplite, microgranite and quartz reefs

Gneissic Complex
Multiphased granite intrusives (grey granite,

pink porphyritic granite and pink medium
grained granite)
Older Sericite-quartzite, banded magnetite-quartzite,
Metamorphics muscovite schist, garnetiferous mica schist,
amphibolite gneiss and ultramafites
48
Dossier on Diamond
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Fig. 1.2 : Identified Blocks for Air Borne Geophysical Surveys in Parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
49
The occurrence of diamonds over such a long belt viewed in the light of only two known diamond bearing pipes at one
end of the belt strongly point to contribution of diamonds from more pipes. A strong magnetic anomaly exists along the
length of the diamond belt. Drilling at three places over this anomaly has revealed presence of ultrabasic rocks below the
sedimentary cover.
Even though the shape of the Majhgawan and Hinota pipes is dissimilar to that of many known lamproite occurrences,
it is worth mentioning that the highly diamondiferous Argyle lamproite (of Mesoproterozoic age) in western Australia
also has steep contacts with the host rocks. Thus, the Majhgawan and Hinota pipes are more similar in shape and form
to kimberlites than lamproites, as the former in all cases have diatremes sloping at an average 82O – the shape of all deep
explosive vents. From an extensive study of about 450 kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyres in Australia, Jaques and
Milligan (2003) have recently concluded that typical kimberlites occur within and at the margin of the Archaean cratons,
lamproites at the cratonic margins and near mobile belts and lamprophyres at margins of cratons only. Likewise Skinner
et al (1992), from the distribution of 229 orangeites and 580 archetypal kimberlites in the Kaapvaal Craton of southern
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Africa have shown that orangeite (Group-II kimberlite) occurrences are found predominantly at the edge of the Kaapvaal
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Craton whereas those of kimberlites are characteristically confined to on-cratonic settings. Thus, it can be inferred that
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the location of the Majhgawan and Hinota pipes at the cratonic margin of the Bundelkhand Craton has more similarities
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to the tectonic setting of a lamproite or orangeite than a kimberlite.
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Majhgawan Kimberlite/Lamproite Pipe
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Geographic data
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Location : Majhgawan, Panna district.

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Coordinates : Lat.: N. 24039' ; Long. E. 80002' ; Toposheet no. 63 O/2

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Extent : 515 x 330 m

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Access : Majhgawan pipe is located about 20 km south-west of Panna, the district headquarters. Since
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Majhgawan pipe is a diamond producing mine, it is connected to Panna by an all weather road.
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Topography : The pipe forms a flat geomorphic surface with a height of 360m to 400m above msl. At present, the mine
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is approximately 80m deep with a number of benches.
Surface water : NMDC has constructed a small reservoir just to the south of the mine wherefrom it uses water for its
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treatment plant.
Groundwater : The water table is approximately 20 m below the surface. The mine requires draining of water with the
help of pumps.
Geological set up : The diamondiferous Majhgawan pipe in the Panna area of central India, which accounts for nearly
99% of India’s diamond production, was reported by Captain J Franklin as early as in 1827. The Majhgawan pipes intrude
the Baghain Formation of the Kaimur Group which is a part of the Vindhyan Supergroup.
The Majhgawan pipe occurs on the western limit of the Panna diamond belt and is localized in a NE–SW to ENE–
WSW trending crustal zone of the upwarped eastern margin of the Bundelkhand craton. According to Janse (1992) the
Majhgawan pipe is located at the margin of the Aravalli Archon. The Majhgawan kimberlite body identified as lamproite by
a few is a downward tapering, cone shaped body measuring about 515 x 330 m in plan (Fig 1.3). The contact between the
50
Dossier on Diamond
kimberlite and the Baghain Sandstone is normally sharp. In the western and southern periphery, however, the kimberlite
is highly sheared and traversed by a network of calcite veins. The payable body is elliptical in shape, 320m × 280m in size
and has a surface area of 0.065 sqkm (Indian Bureau of Mines 1996). This pipe has been drilled to a depth of about 250m
and it has the shape of a cone and the contact with the host rock dips at fairly constant angle of 700 to 800 inwards.
The kimberlite contains both cognate and accidental xenoliths, the former predominating over the latter. The accidental
xenoliths include black porcellanite, purple shale and the Baghain Sandstone.
The yellow and blue ground is well developed with a capping of 5 to 6m of soil. The contact between the yellow and the
blue ground is at an average depth of 14 m from the surface.
There are five varieties of kimberlite :
1) Basaltic kimberlite with phlogopite.
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2) Basaltic kimberlite without phlogopite.
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3) Kimberlite breccia with phlogopite.
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4) Kimberlite breccia without phlogopite and
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5) Kimberlite breccia with abundant phlogopite Y
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Three distinct phases of emplacement of kimberlite could be recognised from the study of matrix and cognate xenoliths
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of the kimberlite breccia.

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Exploration : In Majhgawan area Detailed Exploration (UNFC G-1) stage work was carried out by NMDC which has
been mining the deposit for many years, possess data on incidence, average weight and types of diamonds its mining
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aspect, treatment and marketability. However, the exploration programme was aimed at: (1) establishing offshoots of the
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kimberlite diatreme, (2) deciphering the geometry of the body and study of different petrographic varieties at depth and
(3) establishing incidence of diamond in the 'extended arm' of kimberlite on the basis of surface sampling with the help
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of deep pits.
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The mine is developed over the Majhgawan pipe, which measures 515 x 330 m at surface where as economically viable
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pipe is confined to 320 x 280 m (6.5 ha) area(Fig 1.3). Soil capping over the pipe is 5-6 m thick. Yellow ground as well as
blue ground is well developed. The yellow ground is up to an average depth of 14 m from the surface followed by the
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blue ground. A total of 2943.70 metres of drilling in 25 boreholes was carried out by GSI to establish the geometry of the
pipe. During shallow drilling, two prominent offshoots were delineated upto a depth of 40 m and an additional indicated
resource (332) of kimberlite (0.14 million tonne) has been established upto a depth of 40 m. To study the behaviour of
the Majhgawan kimberlite at depth, 5 boreholes were drilled from outside the pipe area. The drilling has established the
extension of pipe to a vertical depth of 330 m. The wall of the pipe indicates an inward dip of about 700 to 800. As against
the diameter of the pipe, which is about 330 m on surface, it reduces to about 125m at a depth of 330m. Treatment of
about 1643.71tonnes of kimberlite from offshoot yielded 14 diamonds weighing 7.20 ct indicating an incidence of 0.43
cpht(carrat per hundred tonne) as against 10 cpht in the main pipe.
As per the decision of the Government of India mining operations of the Majhgawan Pipe were entrusted to NMDC
in 1959, which subsequently carried out detailed exploration during 1960-66 and established ore and diamond reserves
up to 90m depth. Regular diamond production has been continued since 1967. With an objective of increasing diamond
51
production and obtaining maximum recovery, NMDC from time to time has expanded the mine operations and modernised
the Diamond Processing Plant. Heavy Media Separation Plant, double pass X-ray sorter etc., have been added. The
diamond production, which was less than 1000 ct in early 1960s, has now increased to 80,000ct (Fig 1.4). A total of 15.14
million tonne of lamproite was estimated to occur up to a depth of 200 m of which 9.2 million tonne was mined till the
end of March 2005. The mine is currently operating at a depth of 85m and has a grade of 10 cpht. The ratio of Gem:
Off-colour: Industrial diamonds is 28:36:36 (% by weight). Average size of the diamond is 0.50 ct. Large size diamonds
are rare. During 2000-05, only seven large diamonds ranging in weight from 19.34 ct to 30.33 ct were recovered. The
gem diamonds are of high quality and fetch very high price. The Table 1.2 and Table 1.3 give details of excavation and
Petrographic variety of kimberlite along with diamond content.
Table 1.2 : Details of excavation, treatment and diamond recovery in Majhgawan kimberlite Block
Pit No. Depth Excava- Treat- Total Dia- Gem Off.- Indus- No. Wt No. Wt
(m) tion ment monds Colour trial (ct) (ct)
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(cu m) (t)
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1 7.50 46.87 68.82 - - - - - - - -
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1A 8.30 51.87 130.70 4 1.67 1 0.33 1 0.51 2 0.83
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2 28.50 178.13 471.90 3 1.80 2 1.41 1 0.39 - -
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3 41.80 261.25 665.27 4 2.08 2 1.02 - - 2 1.06
4 7.50 46.87 - - - Y - - - - - -
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5 10.00 62.50 139.70 3 1.65 2 1.02 - - 1 0.63
6 12.00 75.00 159.32 - - - - - - - -
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7 6.50 40.63 - - - - - - - - -
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Total 763.12 1643.71 14 7.20 7 3.78 2 0.90 5 2.52

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Table 1.3 : Comparison of incidence of diamonds in different varities of kimberlite

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Diamond Incidence (cpht) Diamond Incidence (cpht)

Petrographic variety
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(Haldar 1972) Ghosh (1982)

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i) Kimberlite breccia without phlogopite 5.70 - 24.80 ‑

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ii) Kimberlite breccia with phlogopite . 4.77 - 9.04 22.05 - 30.09

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iii) Basaltic kimberlite without phlogopite 3.70 - 25.82 ‑

iv) Basaltic kimberlite with phlogopite 7.00 -18.02 11.45 - 13.90
v) Kimberlite breccia with abundant phlogopite - 12.94 -13.35
It can be observed that there are wide variations in the incidence of diamonds in the same variety of kimberlite. The ratio
of gem, off-colour and industrial diamonds from the Majhgawan pipe is 38:40:22. (as per NMDC data).
Recommendations : For increasing the indigenous production of diamonds in the country, the Majhgawan kimberlite
prospect can provide following support :
1) With the help of suitable mining methods, the production can be raised considerably.
2) At present there is no method for recovery of micro-diamonds (less than 0.5mm in size) from kimberlite. A method
to this effect has to be worked out.
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Dossier on Diamond
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Fig. 1.3 : Majhgawan diamond mine in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh

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MAJHGAWAN PIPE (salient features)
Pear shaped body : 510m X 280m

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l Economic pipe area : 320m X 280m (6.5ha)

l Mined ore : 9.2 Million tonne (as on 31.03.2005)

l Balance reserve : 15.14 Million tonne
(up to 200m depth)

l Current depth of mine : 84m

l Diamond grade : 10 cpht

l Average size of diamond: 0.5 ct
Fig. 1.4 : Diamond production from the Majhgawan Mine,

Madhya Pradesh
53
Hinota Kimberlite Pipe

Geographic data
Location : NNW of Hinota Village, Panna district
Coordinates : Lat. N. : 24040' ; Long. E: 80001' Toposheet no. 63 D/2
Extent : 200 x 180 m
Access : Hinota kimberlite pipe is located about 20 km WSW of Panna, the district Headquarters.
Topography : The pipe forms a flat geomorphic surface with a height varying from 360m to 400m. It also forms a
topographic depression.
Surface water : The area is surrounded by small ephemeral streams. A few small ponds (100 m diameter) are found in a
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radius of about 2.5 km from the adjoning pipes.
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Geological set up : The Hinota pipes intrude the Baghain Sandstone Formation of the Kaimur Group which is a part
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of the Vindhyan Supergroup. The Hinota pipe is a circular intrusion with a shallow crater of up to 80m. On surface, the
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diameter of the pipe is 200 x 180 m with a slight NW-SE elongation. On the aerial photographs, the pipe is recognised
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by its high density of vegetation and negative topography. It is well recognised on satellite imageries also. The pipe was
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discovered as a result of magnetic and electrical resistivity surveys by GSI.
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The drilling in the Hinota pipe indicated top 2.5m of detrital material, followed by about 25 m of earthy yellow and
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greenish clayey matter and then blue ground upto a depth of 60 to 75m ending up in hard kimberlite. The diatreme
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comprises massive basaltic and micaceous kimberlite grading into autolithic kimberlite breccia.
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Exploration : GSI carried out general exploration (UNFC G-2) stage work in the area involving following work
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components :
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a) Regional mapping on 1:50,000 scale. The study was aided by aerial photo-interpretation.
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b) Large scale mapping: About 120 sqkm on 1:12,500 scale for sedimentological studies, plotting of conglomerate
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horizons and diamondiferous gravel horizons.

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c) Detailed mapping: About 0.5 sqkm on 1:1,000 scale to demarcate different lithounits
d) Geophysical studies: Magnetic, electrical resistivity and gravity surveys to understand its geophysical
characteristics.
e) Drilling: During 1968-70 and again during 1984-86, the drilling was done in the Hinota pipe to know its geometry
at depth and petrochemical characters. During 1984-86, a total of 631.65 m of drilling was done in 3 boreholes,
which indicated that the body extends beyond 160m in depth.
f) Shaft Sinking: One 18.50m deep shaft was sunk in the pipe.
g) Processing: A total of 228.40 tonnes of material from the shaft was treated and only two diamonds weighing 1.71
ct were recovered, which shows a very low incidence of diamond. Earlier studies by NMDC and GSI also indicated
its low diamond content.
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Dossier on Diamond
The summarised log of the shaft is given in Table 1.4.

Table 1.4 : Summarised log of the shaft
00.00 - 01.20 m Black clayey soil

01.20 - 02.20 m Black clayey soil with concretions
02.20 - 07.00 m Weathered kimberlite
07.00 - 11.50 m Basaltic kimberlite
11.50 -13.50 m Weathered, serpentinised, carbonated kimberlite
13.50 -18.50 m Kimberlite breccia and yellow ground
Recommendations : As diamond incidence is low, further investigation in this pipe is unwarranted.
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Caution : The Hinota pipe falls in the Panna National Park area and to obtain prospecting lease and to carry out large scale
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operations or even preliminary surveys, a prior permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government
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of India, is neccessary.
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Age of the Majhgawan and Hinota Pipes
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Radiometric age determinations of Majhgawan and Hinota pipes carried out on K-Ar (whole rock), Rb-Sr (phlogopite
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separates as well as whole-rock) ages are available for Majhgawan pipe whereas there is only a single K-Ar whole-rock age
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for the Hinota pipe. Considering that the whole rock ages are likely to be less reliable than the age determinations made
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on the groundmass phlogopite mineral separates, the age of Majhgawan pipe can be accepted to be close to 1100 Ma. The
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single available K-Ar age for the Hinota pipe is 1170 ± 46Ma (Paul et al 1975a). The age of the Majhgawan and Hinota
pipes also constitutes the only reliable minimum age constraint on the deposition of the Lower Vindhyan Group of rocks.
Available radiometric data suggest that all the Indian kimberlites and lamproites, dated till now, are of Proterozoic age
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(Chalapathi Rao et al 2004). However, orangeites have been reported from the Damodar valley yielding 40Ar/39Ar ages
ranging from 109–116 Ma (Kent et al 1998). Thus, the emplacement age of the Majhgawan and Hinota pipes is similar to
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that of Proterozoic archetypal kimberlites and lamproites of India but very different to that of an orangeite.
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Saptharishi Lamproite Field

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Recently Rio Tinto India Ltd., located diamondiferous lamproite cluster near Bunder area on the Bundelkhand Craton of
Madhya Pradesh, India, which is christened as Saptarishi Field comprising a suite of at least eight known diamondiferous
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pipes and dykes. The geology and petrography of the lamproites suggests that these bodies form near surface vents and
the largest body named as Atri comprises two distinct lobes filled predominantly with primary pyroclastic rocks. The
≈ 1100 Ma age of the Saptarishi intrusions imply that they are part of a larger igneous province, which includes the nearby
Majhgawan and Hinota diamondiferous pipes. This age temporally relates to the lamproites of Western Australia.
Mineralogically these lamproite bodies composed of relict olivine, phlogopite, apatite, minor spinel and Ti-oxides. The
rock is altered instead, much of the rock is now composed of serpentine-chlorite-carbonate with little phlogopite remains.
The estimated grades for these bodies are 75 cpht.
Ultramafic - Ultrabasic bodies of Bundelkhand Basement

Systematic mapping of the Bundelkhand granitic terrain, carried out by GSI, resulted in the location of a few ultramafic
- ultrabasic dykes of kimberlitic composition at several places. Several magnetic anomalies tested by drilling in the terrain
indicated ultramafic rocks including thin kimberlite dykes. Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration revealed diamonds
from the area. The bodies are small in size. Of the several bodies known, the Angor and Bandha bodies occurring in
55
Chhattarpur district were explored by drilling, pitting and bulk sample processing and found to contain diamonds. The
remaining Ultrabasic bodies located at Dongraha, Harsa, Bariarpur, and Biharpur are in Panna district.
Angor and Bandha Ultrabasic Bodies

Geographic data
Location : 0.5 km north of Angor Village
Prospect : Angor Ultramafic Prospect
District : Chhattarpur district.
Coordinates : 24044': 79025', Toposheet no.54 P/6.
Access : Angor is a village on the Sagar-Chhatarpur state Highway, about 40 km south of Chhattarpur, which
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is the district Headquarters and 130 km SW of Panna. The nearest railhead is Harpalpur on Jhansi
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Manikpur broad gauge section.
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Topography : The granitic country is flat
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Water Sources : Water supply is possible from nearby seasonal streams; scarcity may exist during summer. Groundwater
is limited. Y
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Geological set up: The ultramafic rocks are found in Bundelkhand granites. The body is exposed mainly on the eastern
side of the road but much of it has been levelled off to form cultivated land.
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Exploration : Geophysical surveys indicate a 450 m long and 200m wide body, trending in NNW-SSE direction. Another
170m long and 30m wide body is located 0.5 km NW of the first body. Drilling indicates top 7 -12m weathered zones,
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underlain by brecciated carbonated pyroxenite, underlain by harzburgite. The body dips 450 towards east. Seven boreholes
totalling 792.35m were drilled in the main body, which continues beyond 289m depth.
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Six large pits reaching to a depth of 10m were put and two diamonds totalling 0.2 carats were recorded after treating
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937.40 tonnes of excavated material. In course of another excavation, 311.80 tonnes of treated material yielded five
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diamonds weighing 3.52 carats. NMDC treated 1000 tonnes without any recovery of diamond.
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A similar body occurs near Bandha (240 39/:790 19'; Topsheet No. : 54 P/6) to the southwest of Gulganj. It is a dyke-
like body, about 10m wide and covered by soil at both ends. Eighty six tonnes of material treated yielded two diamonds
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weighing 1.62 ct (one gem 0.57ct and one industrial 1.05 ct).
Dongraha Ultrabasic Rock

Geographic data
Location : East of Dongraha, Panna district.
Coordinates : 24051': 80008'
Extent : 10m long and 50cm to 1m wide; trends N 30o E - S 30 o W.
Geological set up : The rock is intensely weathered, black in colour and porphyritic with phenocrysts of altered olivine.
Groundmass contains calcite and dusty opaques like ilmenite, magnetite and possibly perovskite.
Exploration : No exploration was carried out.
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Dossier on Diamond
Harsa Ultrabasic Rocks

Geographic data
Location : 1.5 km north of Harsa village, Panna district.
Coordinates : 24046' : 80006'; Top sheet No. : 63 D/1
Extent : The outcrop measures 1 m long and 50 cm wide.
Access : Harsa can be approached from Madla on Chhattarpur-Panna Road. Madla lies on the eastern bank of
Ken River.
Geological set-up: The outcrop shows sharp contact with prophyritic pink granite; the other side is covered by residual
soil, rich in carbonate kankars. The rock is massive, greenish, hard, and compact and shows porphyritic nature. The
xenocrystic grains are rounded. Second generation olivine grains are euhedral. The groundmass is a turbid mass of calcite.
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Serpentine, magnetite and opaques are also present. The rock has been identified as lamprophyre.
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Exploration : No exploration for recovery of diamond was carried out.
Ultrabasic Dyke near Bariarpur barrage
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Geographic data
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Location : East bank of Ken river, north of Barrage, Panna district
Coordinates : 24051' : 80006';Toposheet no.63 D/1.

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Extent : A dyke-like body, 5m to 10m wide and more than 1 km long, ends covered under soil.
Access : Bariarpur village is 20 km by forest road from Madla. It is also approachable from Ajoygarh, a sub-
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divisional town of Panna district.

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Geological set-up : The body occurs like a dyke, trending N 50o E -S 50 o W. It is well exposed in the west bank canal of
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the barrage, varying in thickness from 5 to 10m. The rock is grey, green to greenish brown, showing olivine, reddish mica
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and opaques. The body cuts through Bundelkhand Granite and shows contact metasomatism. The rock is traversed by
serpentine, carbonate and quartz veins. It continues under soil cover for 600m, as proved by drilling three holes, spaced
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200m apart; further extension is possible.

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Exploration : In this area reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration was carried out. Two pits were sunk in the
eastern bank of the Ken River and treatment of 138 tonnes of material from one of the pits yielded one diamond (off-
colour) weighing 0.44 ct.
Recommendation : In view of large strike extension and diamond incidence, the body should be further investigated.
Basaltic Kimberlite of Biharpur Area

Geographic data
Location : 0.7 km WNW of Biharpur, Panna district.
Coordinates : 24057' : 80031'; Toposheet no. : 63 D/9
Extent : 600m long and 1 to 5m wide.
57
Access : Biharpur is situated to the north-east of Kohari which lies on Panna-Kalinger road and is about 70 km from
Panna. The area is just south of the well known Kalinger Fort.
Geological set-up : An olivine bearing porphyritic dyke traverses granite intermittently for about 600m. It trends ENE-
WSW. Olivine is altered and the groundmass is light brown glass, showing spherulitic structure and a colourless mineral
showing fibrous texture.
Exploration : In this area Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration was carried out. Two boreholes, aggregating
298.43m, were drilled. No kimberlite was intersected in any of the holes and it appears that this dyke pinches off at very
shallow depth. About 33 cu m excavation was done, and 55 tonnes of material treated but no diamonds were recovered.
Conglomerates (Vindhyan Conglomerates)

The Vindhyan conglomerates are the other most important host rock producing diamond in Panna Diamond Belt in
the form of three diamondiferous conglomerate horizons associated with the Itwa Sandstone, Jhiri Shale and Gahadra
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Sandstone formations of the Rewa Group of Neoproterozoic age. Detailed assessment of the conglomerates for their
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diamond content was done for the blocks, viz. Hatupur, Shahidan, and Ganja- Shahpur.
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Hatupur Block
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Geographic data
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Location : Hatupur, Panna district. Y
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Coordinates : Lat.: 24048'; Long.: 80025' ; Toposheet no. 63 D/5
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Extent : Hatupur block is 3 km x 3 km in extent; Hatupur, Rakhel and Damulua villages are located within the
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block.
Access : The block is located about 23 km ENE of Panna on Panna-Paharikhera Road.
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Topography : The block fringes at Gahadara sandstone scarps in the southeastern part of the block, with an elevation
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difference of about 70m. There is a small hill in the eastern part of the block with a height of 440m.
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Surface water : The area is drained by small ephemeral streams. A comparatively large stream exists in the western part
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of the block. There are two large tanks in the north.

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Water table : On the basis of drill hole data, the water table is recorded at about 15m below the surface.
Geological set-up : Following is the lithostratigraphic sequence of rock units built on the basis of regional and large
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scale mapping and drilling.

Gahadara Sandstone Formation (Upper Rewa sandstone)
Jhiri Shale Formation with a basal conglomerate
Rewa Group Itwa Sandstone Formation with diamondiferous conglomerate towards top.
Panna Shale Formation
Kaimur Group Baghain Sandstone Formation (Upper Kaimur Sandstone)
Palkawan Shale Formation
Semri Group Pandwatfall Sandstone Formation.
--------------------------------------------- Unconformity ----------------------------------

Bundelkhand granite with enclaves of older metamophics.
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Dossier on Diamond
Jhiri Shale is exposed in the entire Hatupur Block. The base of this unit is diamondiferous (Jhiri conglomerate), varying
in thickness from 4 cm to 54 cm. The Jhiri Shale is underlain by Itwa Sandstone Formation. Towards the top (but not at
the top), the Itwa Sandstone Formation, another diamondiferous conglomerate horizon (known as Itwa conglomerate)
exists. The Itwa conglomerate is separated from the Jhiri conglomerate by a non-diamondiferrous shale / sandstone
horizon, the thickness of which varies from 2 to 4 m. The thicker conglomerate horizons also carry sandstone interbeds.
The sandstone and shale formations (with conglomerate) show very gentle dip towards SSE. The gradient is 1.5 to 2 m per
100 m. Itwa Conglomerate is an ill-sorted conglomerate and comprises subangular to subrounded granules, pebbles and
cobbles of white sandstone (Baghain Sandstone), green glauconitic sandstone & yellow and white shale fragments (Semri
Group), vein quartz, jasper and chert (from the basement). The pebbles do not show preferred orientation. The matrix
is arenaceous. The thickness of conglomerate varies from less than 5 cm to 2 m. Drilling indicated frequent variation
in thickness of conglomerate. During shaft (2 x 2m) sinking, these conspicuous variations have been observed. On an
average, the thickness is about 50 cm. Jhiri conglomerate is also a thin blanket type of conglomerate, thickness of which
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varies from 2 cm to 70 cm. It is composed of sub-rounded to rounded, well sorted granules and small pebbles of vein
quartz, jasper, chert, sandstone and platy fragments of shale set in a fine glauconitic silty matrix.
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Isopach map for the Jhiri and the Itwa conglomerates indicates irregular distribution of conglomerate. Both the
conglomerates are thicker along palaeochannels than adjoining parts. The palaeochannels are oriented along NE-SW and
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E-W directions. Isolated patches of thick conglomerate are also recorded. The stratum contour plan of the base of the
Itwa Conglomerate horizon shows uniform and conspicuous south-easterly gradient.
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Exploration : The General Exploration (UNFC G-2) stage work was carried out with the following work components.
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Large scale mapping The area has been mapped on 1:12,500 scale to demarcate conglomerate
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horizons, diamondiferous lateritic and alluvial gravels.
Detailed mapping About 5 sqkm on 1 :2000 scale

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Drilling For the sake of convenience, the Hatupur Block was divided into two sub-
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blocks. In the western block the grid was laid at 200m intersection and in the
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eastern block at 250 m intersection. A total of 3345.95 m of drilling was done

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in 108 boreholes.
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Under the NDP, GSI drilled 108 boreholes on 200 x 200 m/250 x 250 m grid and sunk 36 pits (2.5 x 2.5 m) on 100 x 100
m/150 x150 m grid up to depths ranging from 5 to 34.75 m. The drill hole data revealed that the thickness of the Jhiri
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conglomerate ranges from about 1 cm to 70 cm. The depth of conglomerate varies from 4.55m to 36.35m. Subsequently,
as per the recommendations of the Joint Task Force (1989) comprising BRGM-GSI-MECL-NMDC, the MECL, explored
parts of the block in two phases. In the first phase (1991-93), in about 4.75 sq. km area, 82 boreholes were drilled. Based
on the exploration carried out by GSI and MECL average thickness obtained for the conglomerate ranges between 0.26
and 0.76 m (at 0.25 m thickness cut-off), under overburden ranging from 2.28 m to 139.80 m. An indicated resource of
4.51 million tonne (UNFC-332) of conglomerate was estimated. In the second phase (1997-2001), in about 1.31 sqkm
area 21 pits were sunk. An average thickness of 0.46 m was obtained for the conglomerate at depths varying from 3 to
21.60 m. An indicated resource (UNFC-332) of 1.34 million tonne was estimated at 0.20 m thickness cut-off. Under the
NDP, a total of 6494.50 cu m of material was excavated to obtain 4746.92 tonne of conglomerate, which was processed
at NMDC Plant. Grade obtained for the GSI sub-block-A was 18.59 cpht and for the MECL block-II and GSI block
-C was 7.77cpht. The percentage of gem quality of diamonds is very high (~55%). Off-colour and industrial diamonds
constitute 19% and 26% of the total diamonds. The largest diamonds recovered so far during the exploratory operations
59
are 3.38 ct (industrial variety), 2.27 ct (gem quality) and 1.68 ct (off-colour). Average size of gem: off-colour: industrial
varieties are 0.6: 0.45: 0.63 ct respectively.
Shaft Sinking: 36 shafts (2.5 x 2.5m) , ranging in depth from 5m to 34.75m, were sunk on a grid varying from 100 to
250m to excavate the conglomerates. At the bottom of the shaft, where the Itwa Conglomerate was encountered, two
east-west oriented drives (1.8m height, 2.1m width and 6m length on each side) were driven to win the requisite quantity
of conglomerate. The average thickness of conglomerate in shafts worked out to be 60 cm, varying from 17cm to 1.40m.
A total of 4746.92 ton of conglomerate was obtained from 6494.50 cu m. of excavation, which was treated at NMDC
plant, Majhgawan.
Dimensions of explored prospects
i) Sub-block A The sub-block (area 0.3sqkm) was proved to contain conglomerate reserves of about 0.45
million tonne with a diamond incidence of 27.91 cpht. This block is open at both ends,
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indicating the possibility of its further extension towards east and towards south-west. MECL
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has drilled in the eastern extensions of the block, the results of which are yet to be received.
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ii) Sub-block B This sub-block measures 750 x 500m. Proved reserves of pure and diluted conglomerate
estimated are 0.53 million tonne and 1.49 million tonne, respectively. Treatment results of
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the samples drawn are not available so far. The depth of the Itwa conglomerate varies from
20.95m to 29.10m Y
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iii) Sub-block C The block is along a NW-SE trending channel defined by drill holes 43A, 43B, 46A, 46C, 47,
47A, 47B, 47C, 48, 48B, 50, 50C, 51 and 51C. Thickness of the Itwa Conglomerate ranges
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from 1.14 to 1.80m and depth varies from 6.45 to 21.65m. On the basis of the data of
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three pits (P-28, P-35 and P-36) and drives, about 0.31 million tonne of undiluted and 0.74
million tonne of diluted conglomerate of proved category have been estimated. Probable
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reserves of 0.60 million tonne of undiluted conglomerate and 2.72 million tonne diluted
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conglomerate have been estimated on the basis of drill hole data. The treatment results are
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not yet available.

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iv) Sub-block D It is a small block located in the northeastern corner of the Hatupur Block and defined by
drill holes 56-A, 57-B and 61-C. The thickness of the Itwa Conglomerate varies between 22
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and 30 cm and depth varies from 8 to 8.5 m. Probable reserves of the conglomerate have
been estimated about 0.106 million tonne for the undiluted and 0.742 million tonne for the
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diluted categories.
v) Sub block E It is 1 km long, trending N-S and defined by drill holes 50A, 50B, 55, 55A, 55B and 60C. The
thickness of Itwa Conglomerate varies from 10 to 77cm and depth from 12.70 to 25.15m. No
pits have been sunk in this sub-block. On the basis of the drill hole data, probable reserves
of the conglomerates have been estimated about 0.378 million tonne of undiluted and 1.49
million tonne of diluted conglomerate.
vi) Sub-block F It has a dimension of 500 x 500m and is a south-easterly extension of the sub-block C. Drill
holes 49A and 54 and pit No.37 are located in the block. The depth of the Itwa Conglomerate
varies from 23.40 to 26.05m and thickness from 29 cm to 1.70m. On the basis of the drill
hole and pit data, proved and probable reserves of diluted conglomerate have been estimated
at 0.247 million tonne and 0.495 million tonne respectively.
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Dossier on Diamond
Diamonds : The percentage of gem quality of diamonds is very high (55%). Off-colour and industrial diamonds constitute
19% and 26% of the total diamonds. The largest sizes of diamonds recovered so far, during the exploratory operations,
are 3.38 ct (industrial variety), 2.27 ct (gem quality) and 1.68 ct (off colour). Average size of gem, off-colour and industrial
varieties is 0.6 ct, 0.45 ct and 0.63 ct, respectively.
Shahidan Block
Geographic data
Location : 2.5 Km NE of Panna, Panna district.
Coordinates : 24044': 80012' ; Toposheet no. 63 D/2
Extent : 2700 X 700 m
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Topography : Gently rolling terrain
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Access : Panna is well connected by road from different places. The block is easily approachable by metalled
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road to Paharikhera. Janakpur village is at the centre of the block.
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Geological set up : In Shahidan Block, Jhiri Conglomerate occurs at the base as well as interbeds within the Jhiri
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Shale and siltstone of the upper part of the Rewa Group. It forms an escarpment to the SW and NE of Panna. The
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conglomerate is coarse pebbly or granular with subrounded granules of japser, chert, sandstone and shale. It is rather well
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sorted with a sandy matrix.
Exploration : Shahidan area has the record of best and larger size diamond recovery. In this area general exploration
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(UNFC G-2 stage) was carried out. Data computed from the operations of one of the large and systematically managed
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mines in Shahidan area during 1919-1925 indicated a diamond incidence of 43 cpht. . During 1972-74, GSI drilled
20 boreholes which indicated that the cumulative thickness of conglomerate to the SSE of Janakpur is above 30 cm.
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Subsequently, during 1980-85, mapping (on 1:5000 scale) and drilling (62 boreholes by MECL) was done. Drilling was
spaced at 300m apart along the strike of the formation (N72o E - S 72o W) and at 200m apart along dip direction
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(S 18 o E). Drilling showed an average thickness of 20 cm of conglomerate.

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10 pits sunk at drill hole sites indicated, on an average, 1.7 times greater thickness of conglomerate. The total indicated
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resource (UNFC 332) of the conglomerate estimated was 5.70 million tonne. The northern part of the area has a number
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of old-workings, which are up to 15 m deep and water logged causing seepage problem. The large tank (Lokpal Sagar) in
the SW part of the block may also cause seepage problems. A part of the northern section is in reserve forest while the
southern part is under cultivation.
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Ganja - Shahpur Block

Geographic data
Location : Near Ganja - Shahpur village, Panna district. Toposheet No. : 63 D/5
Topography : Gently rolling terrain
Geological Set up : Both Itwa and Jhiri conglomerates are found in Ganja – Shahpur Block. The Jhiri Conglomerate is
matrix as well as clast supported. The clast supported conglomerate has 50% to 70% of clasts embeded in an argillaceous
matrix. The clasts comprise mainly grey, white, cream and pink coloured quartzite, vein quartz, red and brown jasper,
green shale, yellow chert, greenish sandstone and BHJ. The matrix supported conglomerate has 15% to 40% of clasts set
in an argillaceous groundmass. The clasts are generally of granule size. These include white quartzite, vein quartz, grey
quartzite, green shale, cream quartzite, jasper, pink quartzite and chert.
61
Exploration : In Ganja – Shahpur block General exploration (UNFC G-2 stage) was carried out. A total of 16 drilled
boreholes had intersected the Jhiri Conglomerate at 12.15 m depth in the northwest and at 49.30 m in the southeast,
down the dip. Similarly Itwa conglomerate was intersected at 13.48 m in the northwest and at 50.50 m in the southeast.
Thickness of Itwa Conglomerate varies from 6 to 70 cm. Drilling had indicated splitting of the conglomerate in both
the formations into several layers. Drill hole data also indicates that there is a variation in the number of bands of Jhiri
Conglomerate from ranging from 1 to 6. The Itwa Conglomerate has generally one or two bands, except for southwestern
side where 5 bands are recorded.Sub –block wise details are as follows. (Table 1.5)
Table 1.5
Sl. Name of the Sub block Indicated Resources Type of conglomerate

No. estimated (million ton)
1. Ahirgawan 1.185 Jhiri Conglomerate
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2. Badera 2.689 Jhiri Conglomerate
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1.102 Itwa Conglomerate
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3. Hirapur 0.310 Jhiri Conglomerate
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4. Dia 0.452 Jhiri Conglomerate
0.269
Y Itwa Conglomerate
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5. Bhatwa-Majhgawan 2.194 Jhiri Conglomerate

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6. Tikuri 3.412 Jhiri Conglomerate
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7. Rohania 1.390 Jhiri Conglomerate

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8. Bhasura 1.196 Jhiri Conglomerate

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During the Phase - II exploration, drilling was carried out in eight conglomerate blocks, in addition to the blocks discussed
above, besides regional drilling to assess the thickness and extent of the Itwa and Jhiri conglomerates towards south of
the belt in the down dip direction.
Resource : On the basis of drill-hole data, a total indicated resource (UNFC-332) of about 6.74 million tonne of the Jhiri
Conglomerate and 4.44 million tonne of the Itwa Conglomerate was estimated.
Details of conglomerate resource of the area is given below :
River Gravels
Quaternary gravels occurring as terraces are found mostly along the banks of the Ken - Ranj - Baghain rivers. The river
gravels occur over a length of 15 km and width of 1 to 2 km. Diamondiferous gravel is restricted to the basal part of the
alluvial pile and its thickness varies from 30 cm to 4 m. It comprises boulders and pebbles of sandstone, shale and laterite
set in sandy matrix. Ramkheria gravels along the Baghain River have been worked since historical past. After preliminary
bulk sampling by the GSI in 1956 NMDC explored the area by drilling 260 holes and excavating 300 pits and proved a
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Dossier on Diamond
diamond resource of about 1,15,000 ct with a grade of about 16 cpht. The gravels indicate higher diamond incidence
than the Majhgawan mine and percentage of gem quality diamonds is also higher. Ramkheria operations were closed in
1984 due to operational difficulties.
Ramkheria Block
Geographic data
Location : Itwa, Brijpur, Ramkheria villages, Panna district.
Coordinates : N.Lat.: 24047'- 24049'; E.Long.: 80023'- 80030'; Toposheet no. 63 D/5
Extent : Gravel zone extends from Ramkheria (24049': 80027') in the east to Itwa (240 47': 800 23') in the west.
Access : The area lies about 20 km ENE of Panna and an all weather road between Panna and Paharikeria runs
through the entire length of gravel zone.
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Topography : The area is practically flat, with the Baghain River incising into the flood plain deposits.
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Surface Water : The Baghain River is perennial and flows towards ENE.
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Exploration data
F
In Ramkheria block Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration was carried out. The details of which is given below:
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Regional mapping : Systematic mapping of alluvial zone was done as part of regional mapping Large
(1:50,000) scale mapping
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Large scale mapping : The area around and along the Baghain River was mapped for delineation of
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(1:12,500) diamondiferous gravel zones

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Geophysical Survey : Geophysical survey of the gravel along the entire river section in Itwa-Ramkheria section
was done during 1970s and the depth of bed rock was demarcated by taking cross
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traverses.
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Dimension of the prospect : The area covers a length of approximately 15 km and width of 1 to 2 km. Diamondiferous
gravel is restricted to the basal part of the alluvial pile and its thickness varies from 30 cm
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to 4 m. It comprises boulders and pebbles of sandstone, shale and laterite, set in sandy
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matrix.
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Diamond Incidence : Diamondiferous alluvial gravel of Ramkheria has been worked since historical past.
Bulk sampling by the GSI in 1956 in the gravel indicated an incidence of 26 cpht. The
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exploration by NMDC proved a resource of about 1,15,000 ct with incidence of about

16 cpht.
Recommendations : Ramkheria gravel deposits indicate higher diamond incidence than the Majhgawan
kimberlite. Moreover the percentage of gem quality diamonds is more than that from the
Majhgawan mine. In such context, this prospect appears to be quite promising provided
prior exploration is done in the gravel. A few areas were delineated on the basis of
photogeological studies for detailed exploration along the Baghain River.
Superficial Lateritic Gravels

Numerous shallow workings, locally known as―Chilla workings, are found in the superficial lateritic gravels spread all
over the Baghain and Gahadra Sandstone formations. Exploration by GSI indicated low incidence of diamond. The State
Government issues licenses for mining the gravel. The mining operations are still in the unorganised private sector.
63
Chapter – 2
EASTERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (EIDP)
The Eastern Indian Diamond Province (EIDP) is confined to both the Bastar and the Singhbhum cratons in the states of
Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand. The Bastar Craton is bounded between the Narmada-Son Lineament
on the north, the Mahanadi Rift on the east, the Eastern Ghats front on the southeast and the Godavari Rift on the
southwest. The craton extends on the west up to Maharashtra and on the east up to Orissa through Chhattisgarh exposing
a large Archaean basement (Bengpal and Bailadila groups) with volcanics, and Meso-Neoproterozoic intracratonic
Chhattisgarh and Indravati basinal sediments. In the northern part close to the Narmada-Son Lineament, Deccan basalts
occupy considerable area. In the Bastar Craton there has been no major thermal activity after 2000 Ma. The area is marked
by presence of platform cover sediments of the Proterozoic Chhattisgarh, Pairi-Khariar, Ampani, Indravati, Sabari and
Albaka basins.
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The Singhbhum Craton is bordered on the west by the Mahanadi Rift and on the north by the Narmada-Son Lineament.
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The eastern and northern margins are covered by the sediments of the Bramhaputra and Ganges river systems. The craton
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exposes largely Archaean-Proterozoic rocks, i.e. Singhbhum nucleus in the south and Chotanagpur gneiss / granite with
Gondwana sediments and Rajmahal Traps in the north.
F
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The EIDP is known for ancient diamond mining activity at a few places only, viz. Wairagarh area in Maharashtra, Hirakud
area in Orissa and Koel - Sankh river areas in Jharkhand. The ancient workings in Wairagarh area are in the conglomerates
Y
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as well as gravels. Diamonds are reported in the gravels of the Maini – Ib – Mand rivers in Chhattisgarh and Tel-
Mahanadi- Ib rivers in Orissa. Kimberlite/lamproite discoveries in this province are very recent and are confined to the
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Bastar Craton. It consists of two new kimberlite fields, viz. Mainpur Kimberlite Field and Tokapal Kimberlite Field, both
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in Chhattisgarh and a large lamproite field in Nuapara area, Orissa. Some of the MKF kimberlites and Nuapara lamproites
are diamondiferous. A few of the Cretaceous lamprophyres intruding into the Gondwana sediments of the Damodar
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Valley Coal Fields show similarities to that of lamproitic rocks.

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Search for kimberlites was conducted by GSI in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Orissa, which form part of the Bastar
Craton. In Chhattisgarh, geological surveys were carried in about 15,880 sq km area covering eight blocks, viz. Mainpur,
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Tokapal, Sabari, Singhora, Sarangarh, Raigarh, Kondagaon and Keshkal, which form parts of different sedimentary basins.
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In order to locate more kimberlite/lamproite bodies within and adjacent to Mainpur Kimberlite Field in the eastern part
of Bastar Craton, Multisensor Twin Otter aero-geophysical survey were carried out by the erstwhile Airborne Mineral
EO
Survey and Exploration Wing (AMSE Wing) of Geological Survey of India during 1994-98 in Mainpur - Raigarh area
of Chhattisgarh and its adjoining Khariar - Paikmal - Sambalpur - Sundergarh area of Orissa to identify target areas for
G
kimberlite search. The survey was carried out along E-W flight lines at intervals of 500m and 60-80 m flight altitude till
1996-97 and at 150 m altitude during 1997-98 covering an area of about 27,850 sq km from Mainpur-Payalikhand area in
the south to Raigarh-Sundergarh area in the north around Chhattisgarh-Orissa border (Fig. 2.1). The vast amount of this
aero geophysical data was utilized for search of kimberlite. Through integrated approach, 11 target blocks were identified
in Chhattisgarh and Orissa. Lamproite dykes have been identified in Basna (Chhattisgarh) and Sakri (Orissa) areas.
Extensive photogeological studies helped in identifying three sets of deep seated megalineaments and associated fanning
of several small scale shallow level crustal fractures. The craton-mobile belt boundary trending NE-SW has been identified
as a frontal thrust. The E-W to ENE-WSW trending lineament represented by a crustal shear delimits the northern margin
of the EGMB. This zone has been reactivated leading to the formation of Mahanadi Graben during the Phanerozoic. The
NW-SE trending lineament is conspicuous by the presence of younger dykes varying in composition from ultramafic to
felsic. It is observed that Payalikhand-Kodomali cluster of lamproites occur at the intersections of all the three sets of
lineaments, where as Tokapal cluster at the intersection of E-W and NW-SE trending ones.
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Dossier on Diamond
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Fig 2.1 : Identified Blocks for Air Borne Geophysical Surveys in Parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

Bastar Craton, which covers part of Chhattisgarh State extends in the west to Maharashtra and in the east to Orissa. It is
of great significance that the Raigarh Mobile Belt, located to the north of Bastar Craton is manifested by the presence of
diamond in all the streams of Ib, Maini, Mand and Sankh and their tributaries. The Archon of Bastar Craton is bordered
by Protons of Raigarh Mobile Belt and Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt and this tectonic scenario is important in regional
prognostication for diamond and kimberlite in Bastar Craton. In Bastar Craton there has been no major thermal activity
after 2000 Ma. The eastern and central parts of the craton are priority areas because they represent the low heat flow
and high permeability zones. The area is marked by presence of platform cover sediments which protects the kimberlite
65
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Fig. 2.2 : Geological Map of Mainpur Kimberlite Field with KimberliteIndicator Anomaly Zones, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh
66
Dossier on Diamond
diatremes from erosion. Considering all the positive features, the following target areas have been prognosticated for
search of kimberlites.
a) Pairi-Khariar basin and surrounding granitic terrain

b) Indravati Basin and adjoining gneissic complex on west and south
c) Sabari Basin and adjoining gneissic complex
d) Saraipalli area comprising rocks of Chhattisgarh basin and the adjoining granitic terrain
e) Albaka and Abujhmar Basins
f) Southern part of Chhattisgarh basin and adjoining granitic terrain
g) Raigarh Proterozoic crystallines bordering the Bastar Craton
Kimberlitic rocks
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In the Chhattisgarh state, so far, two kimberlite fields have been identified which are Mainpur Kimberlite Field in Raipur
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district and Tokapal Kimberlite Field in Bastar district.
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Mainpur Kimberlite Field (MKF)
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The Mainpur Kimberlite Field (MKF) is one of the three established diamond bearing kimberlite fields in Peninsular India
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(Fig. 2.2), the other two being Panna in northern Madhya Pradesh and Wajrakarur (including Chigicherla and Kalyandurg
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kimberlites) in Andhra Pradesh. MKF is located in the south-eastern part of the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh in Central
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India, 135km SE of Raipur city. The investigations carried out during 1992-94 by the GSI and Directorate of Geology
& Mining, Government of Madhya Pradesh led to the identification of five kimberlitic diatremes (Payalikhand-I & II,
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Bahradih, Jangra and Kodomali) (including four diamondiferous pipes) and in the establishment of Mainpur Kimberlite
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Field in southeastern part of Raipur district in Chhattisgarh state. Subsequent work by GSI led to identification of more
than 40 kimberlite indicator anomalies, which could not be tested for confirming kimberlite emplacements as the area
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(4600 sq km) was leased out to M/s.B. Vijaya Kumar Chhattisgarh Exploration Private Limited (BVCE) in January, 2000.
The BVCE during its operations discovered two more kimberlite bodies. Further operations in the area were suspended
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by the Government due to termination of RP (Reconnaissance Permit) because of violation of deed by the BVCE. The
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kimberlite bodies known till now are smaller in dimension and emplaced along WNW-ESE to NW-SE trending fractures.
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The bodies are eroded by at least some 150 to 300 m since emplacement and represent mostly diatreme facies. Preliminary
testing has proved that the bodies are diamondiferous.
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Location : The area under investigation falls in Survey of India Toposheet Nos 64L/4 and L/8 and is confined to the
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cratonic part. It is located in the Mahanadi major basin in the water divide zone between the Tel river sub-basin and the
Pairi-Sondur river sub-basin. The eastern part of the area is characterised by high plateau with steep scarps (Khariar
plateau) and the western part is characterized by rugged undulating topography comprising isolated hills with elevations
of more than 700m.
Tectonic Setting : The Mainpur Kimberlite Field is located within the Bastar Craton (BC) close to its contact with the
granulite terrain of the lower to middle Proterozoic Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) in the east. This contact is also
marked by occurrences of middle to late Proterozoic alkali syenite complexes, the nearest being at Khariar in Orissa. The
regional tectonic set-up in the Mainpur Kimberlite Field includes three distinct units, viz. the Bastar Craton, the Eastern
Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) and the Proterozoic sedimentary sequences. The Archaean rocks include a group of Gneissic
Complex (quartzo-felspathic-biotite-hornblende gneiss, Banded Iron Formation and Pyroxenites). These rocks have been
intruded by gabbroid rocks and further engulfed by multiphase granitoid rocks (Bundeli granitoid). The Eastern Ghat
groups of rocks constitute high grade granulite facies charnockite, two pyroxene garnetiferous granulities and leptynite.
Younger dolerite intrusives occurring as swarms trend mostly NW-SE and ENE-WSW.
67
The Archaean granite-greenstone of BC is overlain by late Proterozoic platform sediments of Chhattisgarh Supergroup
deposited in different sub-basins. Late Proterozoic sedimentary rocks over the crystalline basement formed in the Khariar
Syncline. These cover sedimentary rocks are included in Pairi/Khariar Group and have been lithostratigraphically equated
with the Singhora Group of rocks occupying a NNE-SSW tract north of Khariar Basin at the eastern fringe of the main
Chhattisgarh Basin. The sedimentary rocks include sandstone, shale, chert and limestone.
The kimberlites of MKF are intrusive within the platformal sediments of the Pairi sub basin.
Regional Structure : The Cratonic area is characterised by NW-SE trending fractures extending for hundreds of
kilometers and E-W fractures both marked by extensive doleritic intrusion and silicifications. The EGMB set up mainly
exhibits N-S to NNE-SSW trending fractures. The cover sediments are horizontally disposed and show N-S to E-W
trending faults and fractures. At the junction between Bastar Craton and EGMB, N-S trending intrusives of alkaline rocks
have been reported (Mahadevan et al. 1989). Many of the fracture lineaments are characterised by the presence of basic-
ultrabasic intrusives.
The generalised regional stratigraphy of MKF Belt is as shown in the Table 2.1 :
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Table 2.1 : Generalised stratigraphy of MKF Belt
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Recent - Sub Recent - - Soil, alluvium, laterites (?)
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Upper Proterozoic Chhattisgarh Super group, Shale, limestone, quartzite, arenites and
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Khariar Group and Ampani - conglo merate
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Group
Bundeli Granitoids Y Alkali granites, porphyritic granite,
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- granodiorite and sheared granite gneiss
with pegmatites
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Bilari Group Lakhadabri acid volcanics, Arangi basic

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- volcanics.
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Disconformity
Arjuni Formation Phyllite, BIF, metagreywacke with
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Lower Proterozoic subordinate volcanics and polymict

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conglomerate
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Sonakhan Group
Unconformity
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Bagmara Formation Pillowed metabasalt, acid volcanics,

shale, chert, pebbly shist
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Unconformity
Eastern Ghat Group Khondalite, charnokite and mafic
-
granulite
Baya Gneissic Complex Amphibolite, biotite gneiss, tonalite-
Peninsular Gneiss - granodiorite gneiss and migmatite.
Archaean Tonidongar Group Metaultramafites and basics, high-grade
- metasediments, banded magnetite
quartzite and fucschitic quartzite
Five kimberlitic diatremes have been located in a linear span of 12.5 km covering about 10 sq km area in the Mainpur
Kimberlite Field. The kimberlitic diatremes are Payalikhand-I (100m x 100m), Payalikhand-II (50m x 50m), Jangra (>50m
across), Kodomali (300m across) and Bahradih (300m x 200m). Most of the diatremes are circular in plan while Bahradih
diatreme is elliptical. Amongst the diatremes only Kodomali exhibits fresh rock exposures, while others have been
weathered to green earth at the surface.
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Dossier on Diamond
Kimberlites of Mainpur Kimberlite Field have been classified into three volcanic facies, viz. crater, diatreme and hypabyssal.
Crater facies material has been preserved as xenoliths within Payalikhand-I and -II diatremes. Bahradih, Payalikhand I and
II and Jangra diatremes have been classified as diatreme facies rocks. Only Kodomali rocks are classified as hypabassal
facies.
Recommendation : The MKF has scope for further work to establish more kimberlite pipes and evaluation of their
diamond potentiality.
Payalikhand Diatremes
Geographical data
Location : Payalikhand village, Raipur district
Coordinates : Lat 20 10 10 : Long 82 21 00 , Toposheet no: 64 L/8
0 ' " 0 ' "

Topography : 460m above msl
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Access : 169 km from Raipur
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Geological set-up : The Payalikhand area comprises a complex lithological assemblage represented by metavolcanics and
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metasedimentary sequences of Sonakhan Group, rocks of Baya Gneissis Complex, Khondalite and Charnockite suite of
rocks of the Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt, intrusive Bundeli Granitoid and the sedimentary cover sequences of Pairi and
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Ampani Groups and Chhattisgarh Super group.
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Exploration : In this area Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration was carried out. This includes reconnaissance/large
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scale mapping, pitting/trenching, geochemical and bulk sampling, petro – mineralogical studies, shallow drilling and also
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inputs from geophysical surveys and photogeological and remote sensing studies. Two diatremes have been located along
the slope of a foothill of the Khariar plateau (Table 2.2).
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Table 2.2 : Characteristics of the diatremes

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Number Dimension Trend Emplacement Outcrop Diamond

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and name of control characteristics contents/

Kimberlite body Heavy minerals
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Payalikhand - I 100m x 100m Circular Within granitoid Expressed as a Diamondiferous

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(Topsheet no. : rocks break in slope, and garnet, spinel,

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64L/8) highly altered clinopyroxene

kimberlitic rock
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(green earth)
diatreme facies
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Payalikhand - II 50m x 50m Circular Within granitoid Along break in Diamondiferous

Topsheet no. : rocks slope, highly
64L/8 altered kimberlitic
rock as green
earth
Bahradih Diatreme
Geographical data
Location : Bahradih village, Raipur district
Co-ordinates : Lat: 20012' 30" : Long 82012' 00", Toposheet no 64L/4
Access : 12 Km northwest of Payalikhand
Topography : Approx 300m above msl
69
Geological Set-up : The geological set up is same as that of Payalikhand Block. The Bahradih diatreme is located in an
ampitheatre like depression created by the second order nala. The amphitheatre is surrounded by resistant granitoid rocks.
Bahradih diatreme surfaces at an altitude of 560m from msl.
The kimberlite pipe is elliptical in shape. Presence of xenoliths of consolidated shale and sandstone within the weathered
kimberlite indicate post Khariar age of diatremes. Since the kimberlite pipe does not crop out above the Khariar cover
sediments, it is therefore, presumed that it has only intruded part of the sequence.
Exploration : In this area Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration was carried out. This includes reconnaissance/
large scale mapping, pitting/trenching, geochemical sampling, bulk sampling, shallow drilling, inputs from the geophysical
surveys, remote sensing and photogeological studies (Table 2.3).
Table 2.3 : Characteristics of the diatreme
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Name of Dimension Trend Emplacement Outcrop Diamond
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Kimberlite body control characteristics contents/heavy
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minerals
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Bahradih 300m x 200m Sub circular Within granitoid Ampitheatrical Diamondiferous
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(Topsheet no. : rocks depression, highly and garnet, spinel,
64L/4) Y altered kimberlitic clinopyroxene,
rock (green orthopyroxene,
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earth), diatreme phlogopite
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facies
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Jangra Diatreme
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The Jangra diatreme is located near Jangra (200 08’ 30”: 820 19’ 40” ) in an ampitheatre like depression created by a first order
drainage. Like the Bahradih diatreme, at Jangra also the ampitheatre is surrounded by resistant granitoid rocks. Jangra
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diatreme surfaces at an altitude of 500m from msl. The Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration was carried out in
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this area (Table 2.4).

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Name of Kimberlite body Dimension Trend Emplacement Outcrop Diamond

control characteristics contents/heavy
minerals
Jangra 50m x 50m Circular Within granitoid Ampitheatrical Not known/
Topsheet no. : 64L/8 rocks depression within garnet and spinel
granitoid
Kodomali Diatreme
Kodomali (20 0 11’ 10’’: 820 14’ 08”) kimberlite exposes as a dyke with a WNW-ESE trend and is the only diatreme with
rock exposure visible at the surface, amongst the five known diatremes in Mainpur Kimberlite Field. Like other diatremes,
this diatreme is also surrounded by the granitoids. The near surface alteration as green earth is not much as compared to
other diatremes. Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration was carried out in this area (Table 2.5).
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Dossier on Diamond
Name of Dimension Trend Emplacement Outcrop Diamond contents/

Kimberlite control characteristics heavy minerals
body
Kodomali 300m x 300m Circular Within granitoids Fresh rock Diamondiferous

Topsheet no. : exposed with and garnet, spinel,
64L/8 calcretes clinopyroxene, ilmenite and
and patchy olivine
development
of near surface
green earth
Tokapal Kimberlite Field (TKF)
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The discovery of diamondiferous kimberlitic diatremes in Proterozoic sedimentary basinal area of Pairi-Khariar Group,
led to further search of kimberlites in similar geotectonic conditions in parts of Sabari and Indravati basinal areas in Bastar
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district of Chhattisgarh. This has led to the discovery of four kimberlite bodies, viz. Tokapal, Duganpal, Bhejripadar and
Parpa-Parakot to the WSW of Jagadalpur in Bastar district. All these bodies are included in the Tokapal Kimbelite Field
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(TKF). The kimberlites are intruded into the Neoproterozoic Indravati Group of rocks along NW-SE trending fractures.
Mafic dykes also align in the same trend and the upper parts (tuffs) are highly oxidized and are manifested by lateritised
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sub-domal morphostructures. Of all the four bodies reported, the Tokapal pipe is perhaps the largest kimberlite body
in the world occupying about 500 ha (Fig. 2.3). The body, reported earlier as ultrabasic rock by GSI, consists of multiple
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pipes and exhibits well preserved crater facies pyroclastic rocks of Proterozoic age indicating little erosion. Remnants
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of tuff rings and flows are reported first time in the Indian kimberlite/lamproites. GSI carried out grid pattern drilling
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and geophysical surveys to find out geometry as well as characterise the bodies. Drilling revealed that the Tokapal and
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Duganpal bodies are connected below soil.Processing of mini bulk samples (total 3 tonnes) by GSI recovered chrome
spinels.
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Regional Geology and tectonics : The regional tectonic set-up in the Indravati basinal area comprises three distinct
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units, viz. the Archaean assemblage of Bastar Craton, the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) and the Proterozoic
sedimentary sequences of Indravati and Sabari groups. The Indravati basinal area forms the east – central part of Bastar
Craton.
The Archaean assemblage includes the Bengpal and Sukma groups amphibolite and granulite facies gneiss, metasedimentary
and meta igneous complex showing polyphase deformation and metamorphism. The Bailadila Group and equivalents
include lower amphobilite facies, BIF dominated, metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks. The Kotri Supergroup includes
bimodal acid and basic volcanics, ultramafics, sediments and shallow level intrusive granites. The Abujhmar Group includes
basalt, gabbro, conglomerates, sandstone and shale. The Indravati and Sabari groups of sediments comprise clastic facies
in lower part and the carbonate facies in the upper part.
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The Tokapal, Duganpal and Parpa-Parakot kimberlitic rocks probably indicate multiple intrusions from a single or multiple
feeders spreading over with 5km length and 1 km width. The kimberlitic pipes have intruded along NW-SE trending
fracturers, which are exhibited by mafic dyke swarms in the area. The NW-SE trending dyke swarms as well as major
lineaments and faults possibly indicate reactivated mantle permeable zones along which the kimberlitic pipes have been
emplaced within the Proterozoic sediments. The borehole core samples indicate multiple intrusions at different levels with
deposition of tuffs in the upper part.
Tokapal Kimberlite Clan Rock (KCR) Body

The Tokapal rock is exposed in pit section and the rock is greenish in colour and shows typical kimberlitic clast-matrix
texture and flowage structure. The rock shows crude banding and top portion is lateritised and covered by black soil
horizon. The Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration was carried out which involved reconnoitary mapping, detailed
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mapping, pitting-trenching, drilling, sampling and geophysical survey (Table 2.6).
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Table 2.6 : Characteristics of the Tokapal kimberlite pipe
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Tokapal Place Trend Dimension Control Characteristics Diamond
Kimberlite Y content
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Field
Indravati Basin Tokapal Not 2km x 1km Within Manifested Not known
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KCR body established Semicircular or sediments by sub-domal

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(Topsheet no. : elliptical (Jagdalpur morphostructure

65E/16) Formation) in with laterite and
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the form of black soil cover.

flows The rock is exposed
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in pit sections only

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Duganpal KCR Body

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The Duganpal kimberlitic rock is exposed in the Duganpal nala section and the tuffs are exposed in the Bahar nala
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section. The tuffs and pyroclastic rocks are lateritised and manifested by highly oxidized subdomal morpho-structures.
The pyroclastic rocks of Duganpal area constitute pyroclastic breccias and tuffs. The pyroclastic rocks belonging to the
crater facies include the basal breccia overlain by the purely stratified coarse pyroclastics and well notified tuffs. The
pyroclastic breccia contains angular to rounded clasts (>25%) of red and purple shale, limestone and siltstone ranging
from few mm to 0.5m. These fragments, including phlogopite, olivine, spinel rich mantle xenoliths, are cemented by
pyroclastic materials similar to that of overlying tuffs. The soil and stream sediment samples over the body are highly
dominated by spinels and ilmenites. The body has been explored by drilling. Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration
was carried out in this area (Table 2.7).
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Dossier on Diamond
Table 2.7 : Characteristics of the Duganpal pipe

Kimberlite content
field
Indravati Basin Duganpal Not establi- Circular body Within Manifested Not known
KCR body shed with 300m in sediments by sub-
diameter may (Jagdalpur domal morp-
be westward Formation) hostructure and
extension of in the form highly oxidized
Tokapal body of flows tuffs with
kimberlite clan
rocks of crater
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facies
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Bhejripadar KCR Body
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The Bhejripadar kimberlitic body is located near village Bhejripadar (Topsheet no. : 65 E/16). The body is exposed within
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the sandstone unit of Tirathgarh Formation. The body is also characterized by a domal morphostructure with bouldery
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exposures of greenish yellow kimberlite in the sloping ground. The rock is highly altered and preserves typical kimberlitic
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clast-matrix texture. It contains xenoliths of shale, sandstone and altered ultramafic nodules. Reconnaissance stage (UNFC
G-4) exploration has been carried out in this area (Table 2.8).
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Table 2.8 : Characteristics of the pipe

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Kimberlite content
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field
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Indravati Basin Bhejripadar Not 300m x 200m Emplaced into The body exhib Not known
established elliptical in the sediments its a sub-domal
EO
shape(?). morphostructure.
Bouldery outcro ps
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are exposed in the

slopes. The body
is mostly covered
by sediments and
lateritic soil.
Parpa - Parakot KCR Body

The kimberlitic rock in Parpa – Parakot sector was observed from the borewell cores drilled by the State Agricultural
Department. The crater facies rocks are concealed under the soil and laterite cover of >20m. The borehole data show the
presence of kimberlitic tuffs and pyroclastic rocks below 19.87m from the surface upto 36.67 m. From 36.67m to 62.69m
greenish black massive kimberlite was observed. These kimberlitic rocks may be part of the Tokapal body, which needs
to be confirmed by geophysical investigation. Prospecting stage (UNFC G-3) exploration was carried out in this area
(Table 2.9).
73
Table 2.9 : Characteristics of the pipe

Kimberlite content
field,
Indravati Parpa- Concealed Not established Emplaced Nil Not known
Basin Parakot under soil, may be eastward into the
KCR body laterite and extension of sediments
sediments Tokapal body
revealed by
drilling
Kimberlite Clan Rocks in Raigarh Mobile Belt
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Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) prospecting carriedout during 1993-99 along the Tapti Lineament Zone in parts of
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Raigarh and Surguja districts indicated that the area is geologically favourable for identifying primary rocks. The area
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located at the trijunction of Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand forms a part of the Raigarh Mobile Belt. Diamonds are
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reported from the gravels of Ib, Maini and Mand rivers.
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The Reconnaissance stage exploration for KCR was also conducted in the Tapti Lineament Zone (TLZ) in parts of
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Raigarh and Surguja districts of Raigarh Mobile Belt from 1994 to 2000 on the basis of reported diamond incidences in
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the river gravels of Ib, Maini, Mand, Utial and Talda drainages. A total of 6000 sq km area was covered by PGRS studies
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and stream sediment sampling, but no primary source of diamond has been located except one grain of chromite falling
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in the edge of kimberlite field.
KCR in Sarangarh Sector

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The Sarangarh area falls in the north eastern part of Chhattisgarh Basin. A major part of the area forms a part of Bardwar
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sub-basin of Chhattisgarh Supergroup. Stream sediment sampling in the area revealed presence of kimberlitic pyrope
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garnet which are found to be G-9 type of lherzolitic derivative. In addition, G-5 garnet has also been discovered from
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stream sediment samples.Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration was carried out in this area. Detailed sampling
in this area is recommended.
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Ultrapotassic and Ultramafic Rocks of Indravati Group

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Ultrapotassic and ultramafic rocks have also been reported within the lower clastic facies of Indravati Group of rocks
(Fig. 2.3). The ultrapotassic rocks may be compared with the Group III type of ultrapotassic rocks as described by Foley
et al. (1987). The rock shows different types, viz. a high potassium silica undersaturated, low potassium silica saturated and
silica over-saturated types. The ultramafic rocks intrusive into the Tirathgarh Formation are composed of Mg rich chlorite
and ortho-pyroxenes (mostly enstatite) with carbonates and opaques. So, the emplacement of kimberlite clan rocks was
preceded by ultrapotassic and ultramafic magmatism during the deposition of clastic sediments of Indravati Group.
Petrographic studies reveal that the Bastar kimberlites are very much altered. Olivine pseudomorphs are dominated as
serpentine, antigorite with fine-grained carbonates and spinels. At places, radiating, rounded grains of chlorite are observed
in the matrix. Typical bronze yellow coloured phlogopites are observed in the groundmass. In some sections the country
rocks mainly of shale fragments are oval shaped and its margins are highly digested and embayed due to the interaction
with kimberlitic magma.
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Dossier on Diamond
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G
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Tirathgarh Formation
Fig 2.3 : Geological Map Showing Kimberlitic / Ultrapotassic Bodies in Indravati Basinal Area, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh
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F
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Y
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G
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G
Km
Fig. 2.4 : Geological Map of western part of the Bastar Craton Chandapur and Garhchiroli districts, Maharashtra
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Dossier on Diamond
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Reconaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration comprising mainly stream sediment sampling was carried out in the area.
Indicator mineral survey carried out in the western part of Bastar Craton, falling in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts
of Maharastra (Fig. 2.4 ) has revealed that 12 out of 60 samples, from five drainage areas, viz. Andhari and its tributaries in
Mul-Sindewahi area southeast of Saoli and north of Awalgaon, all in Chandrapur district and Deorighat nala – a tributary
of Sati nadi, east of Wairagarh and Karwapa nala south of Chatgaon, Garhchiroli district, has shown chrome diopside.
The chrome pyroxenes show some similarity with the pyroxenes from the Monastry Kimberlite Field, South Africa, in
terms of their Ca/(Ca + Mg) and Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratio with chromium. Besides one garnet grain having a composition
close to G5 garnet (high magnesian almandine, Dawson, 1980) was recovered along with chrome pyroxenes (MgO-6.9%,
TiO2O.03% and Cr2O3-0.06%)
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Detailed indicator mineral survey carried out in two blocks, viz. Andhari River and southeast of Saoli has confirmed the
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presence of G5 garnet and chrome diopside in seven samples. The chrome diopsides include both calcic and subcalcic
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varieties. In general, the chrome diopside population is calcic with Cr2O3 in the range of 0.12 to 0.55%. The G5 garnets
have MgO in the range of 6.42% to 10.65%, FeO – 23.69%, SiO2 – 37.63% to 40.17%, Al2O3 – 21.03% to 23.15%, TiO2
F
O
- 0.01% to 0.12% and Cr2O3 – 0.04% to 0.12%.
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The chromium pyroxenes of the area comprise three types, viz. low chrome diopside, low to high chrome, sub-calcic
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diopsides and sub-calcic chromian – augite/salite. By and large the population is sub-calcic with high Fe and Al2O3.
The plots of Cr2O3 with Ca/Ca+Mg and Mg/Mg+Fe of the chrome diopsides indicate some similarity to the chrome
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diopsides from the Monastery Kimberlite Field, South Africa.

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The recovery of chrome diopside is considered to be important, particularly when recovered with other indicator minerals.
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This is particularly true, as similar chrome-pyroxenes can also be found in many alkaline rocks such as minette, alkali
basalts, nephelinite, etc. As there is no reported occurrence of any such rocks in the present area, and considering the
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presence of G5 garnet coupled with pyroxenes, the indicator minerals may probably, be kimberlitic. This is in conformity
with the regional survey and indicates the source area of the indicator minerals, narrowing down the search area. Though
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traverses during the study have not shown any kimberlites and lamproites in the area, test pitting in selected areas may be
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required to examine the possibility of these rocks.

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Paleo-placer (conglomerate) Diamonds of Wairagarh

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Wairagarh Conglomerates
Wairagarh area in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra has been known for diamond mining activity since historic times. The
ancient mines, in the form of large pits, are located about 125 km NE of Chandrapur and at the confluence of Sati Nadi
and Khobragadi Nadi, both tributaries to the Wainganga River. The workings are found in the conglomerates associated
with Wairagarh Metasedimentary Unit (WMS), and also in the olluviums. The WMS, assigned an age of Paleoproterozoic,
is perhaps the oldest formation containing diamonds in the country. The studies carried out by GSI, sporadically, did not
reveal any primary source for diamond.
Geological set-up
The (10 km x 6 km), NNW-SSE trending low grade, highly deformed meta sedimentary belt within the terrain occupied
by Archaean Amgaon Gneiss and forms a part of the western part of Bastar Craton. The metasediments comprise
framework supported polymictic conglomerate, gritty and pebbly arenaceous units, quartzite and quartz-mica schist. The
unit is NNW-SSE trending, low grade, highly deformed and occupies ~20 km x 6 km area. Polymictic conglomerate is
77
made up of bizarre assemblage of clasts of different composition and size set in a well-foliated quartz sericite matrix.
Quartzite dominates the clast population accounting nearly for 80%, and the remaining includes gneiss, vein quartz,
ferruginous quartzite, and metabasics. The deformed clasts display high degree of flattening and the rock records variable
(sub horizontal to steep) stretching lineation. The conglomerate grades laterally in to gritty quartzite and mica schist. The
ductile shear zone occurring along the eastern margin of Sakoli Fold belt passes through the sediments resulting strong
deformation of the basement – cover rocks.
The Wairagarh Metasedimentary unit (WMS) appears to have been deposited over the gneissic basement. The Dongargarh
Granite, dated 2465 - 2270 Ma, occurs along the eastern margin of the WMS and appears intrusive into it. A narrow
lensoidal body of granite occurs within the WMS towards its southcentral part. The lensoidal body of granite does not
show any evidence of strain. Younger cover rocks of platformal facies of probable Pakhal rocks (mid to late Proterozoic)
and lower Gondwana affinity (Talchir) occur to the western and northwestern part respectively. The stratigraphic status of
WMS is still not clear. The total absence of granite clasts in the WMS and the undeformed nature of granite as compared
to the strained nature of the WMS suggest that the granite may be intrusive, which may assign an early Proterozoic age
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to the WMS.
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Exploration
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From the available records it is known that mining in Wairagarh area was prevalent since the early part of 15th century.
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Farishta in 1425, Garcvia Daorta in 1565 and Abul Fazal in 1590 (Ball, 1984) described the richness of the mines and the
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quality of the diamonds. From the distribution of the old workings and abundant dumps it can be assumed that the entire
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area was scanned for diamonds, including alluvial, colluvial, weathered bedrock and even the laterite profile developed
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over the conglomerate. It appears that the clast rich portion was selectively mined, as good crop of heavy minerals are
associated with such coarse clastics. The workings having a general size of 25m-40m diameters are present throughout the
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area. Study of the old dumps and stacks suggest that the old miners have removed the clasts at the site of pits itself and
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the matrix was crushed to 1cm and 5mm size for recovery of diamonds.
GSI carried out Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) exploration in Wairagarh area involving recconnitory mapping, large
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scale mapping, pitting-trenching and sampling. An octahedral diamond (3.5mm long and 2.5mm wide, 0.15 carat), recently
recovered during the GSI investigations of the conglomerate unit of WMS shows a light greenish tint with well developed
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crystal faces. The octahedra edges show stepped surfaces and twinning noticed is of spinel law, having a triangular
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shape in plan. A black coating, noticed in a cavity on one face, appears to be graphite inclusion. Along with diamond
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other heavy assemblages identified include ilmenite, garnet (G-5 garnet, almandine, grossular and andraditic garnets),
pyroxenes, amphibole, staurolite, chrome spinel and rare tourmaline. The chrome pyroxenes are low chrome variety. The
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Ca/(Ca+Mg) and Mg/Mg+Fe ratios of the pyroxenes do not indicate any kimberlite/lamproite affinity.
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The discovery of diamond in an older conglomerate of probable early Proterozoic age points to much older diamondiferous
intrusion in the western part of Bastar Craton. The source rock of diamond probably of Archaean age may be difficult
to locate due to complex geological processes the terrain has undergone, which include granite intrusion, regional
metamorphism followed by deposition of younger Proterozoic and Gondwana rocks. This find has opened up new vistas
of diamond search in similar geological milieu in the western Bastar Craton.
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF ORISSA

Historical Perspective
Recovery of alluvial diamonds from Quaternary gravels of Mahanadi river basin in historical times is known both from
confirmed and unconfirmed reports. Records of W.King (1835), V.Ball (1877) and Walker (1902) have mentioned
about the panning and washing activities of diamond near Hirakud in Mahanadi River. Search for placer diamonds has
been continuing since historical times at its confluence points with Ib river near Hirakud and with Tel-Ong rivers near
Sonepur.
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Easternghats Mobile Belt
Fig. 2.5 : Map of Orissa with Major Drainage and Locations of Kimberlite / Lamproite Bodies
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Geological Setting
Geologically, the state is occupied by the rocks of the Bastar Craton on the west and Singhbhum Craton on the east, both
separated by the Mahanadi Rift, all occurring north of EGMB (Fig. 2.5). Western Orissa represents an important tectogene,
where the high-grade Precambrian Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) is thrusted over the western charnockite zone and
rest over the passive eastern fringe of Bastar Craton. The area is broadly occupied by the cratonic gneisses and granites
with enclaves of Bengpal Group of rocks, Khondalite and Charnockite groups of rocks, Chhattisgarh and Indravati
platformal sediments and Gondwana rocks. The area is traversed by innumerable lineaments trending in NW-SE, N-S and
E-W directions and intruded by dolerite, gabbro and alkaline rocks. The craton having multitude of gneisses, granites and
supracrustals contain vestiges of oldest geological records (~3.6 Ga). Signature of resurgent tectonics is manifested by
occurrence of paratectonic cover rocks (Chhattishgarh sediments) in linear basins (Ampani, Indravati and Chhattisgarh)
and dyke swarms of varying composition, dimension and trend. As many as thirteen types of dykes are reported in
the Khariar-Paikmal-Padampur sector in Western Orissa, whose composition range from dolerite, gabbro, harzburgite,
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lherzolite, rhyolite porphyry, analcime syenite, albite syenite, quartz syenite, trachyte, micromonzonite and granophyre
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(Nanda et al 2000). Khariar Nepheline Syenite (1450 Ma) is also emplaced at the craton –mobile belt boundary.
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Exploration
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Diamonds are historically known from the western part of the state bordering Chhattisgarh. Since time immemorial,
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diamonds have been reported from Kalinga region, broadly synonymous with modern Orissa and adjoining area. Some
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of the important areas known for diamond are Hirakud, near Sambalpur on the banks of the Mahanadi River and at a
few places along its tributaries, mainly Ib and Tel. During the seventies, intense search for placer diamond was carried
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out in the Mahanadi Valley stretching from Hirakud to Boudh, in the conglomerate beds of Chattisgarh Supergroup
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exposed on the Mahanadi river bank and in the Quaternary gravels. Keeping pace with the emerging concept of diamond
exploration linked with its source rock (Kimberlite-Lamproite), during the eighties and nineties focus was shifted to search
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for diamond source rock in geologically suitable terrains. Painstaking efforts for last three decades yielded to the discovery
of diamondiferous kimberlites in Payalikhand, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. Subsequent discovery of two kimberlite fields
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(Mainpur and Tokapal) triggered the hope of finding new bodies in adjacent similar geological terrain in Western Orissa.
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On the basis of the historical background, favourable geological environment for Kimberlile-Lamproili intrusion and
recent findings of pipe rocks in the adjoining Chhattisgarh state, a new search phase for diamond source rock was initiated
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during 1993-2005. The area chosen for exploration is a 400 km long stretch lying to the west and north of the EGMB and
bordering Chhattisgarh, trending NE-SW and is drained by the easterly flowing Mahanadi River and its major tributaries
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viz. Tel, Ong and Ib and westerly flowing Indravati River, a tributary to the Godavari River. The area falls in parts of nine
districts viz. Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Baragarh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Koraput and Nawarangpur.
GSI carried out regional stream sediment surveys (1,436 samples) in thirteen blocks covering an area of 6,530 sq km, of
this, 5,530 sq km area (1,236 samples) falls in the Mahanadi River basin and 1,000 sq km area (200 samples) in the Indravati
River basin.
Systematic exploration initiated during 1993-94 by sediment panning and washing on regional basis in five river-basins
i.e. Mahanadi, Ib, Ong, Tel and Indravati confined to western Orissa. Excepting Indravati Basin, all the four other basins
form part of the composite Mahanadi Basin. Characteristic kimberlite/ lamproite indicator minerals were not reported
from the stream sediment surveys. However, detailed examination of the basic dykes in parts of Nuapada district revealed
that nine dykes emplaced into the granitic terrain on the periphery of the Bastar Craton have lamproite affinity, ranging
between olivine lamproite and leucite lamproite. First successs was achieved by Directorate of Geology, Govt. of Orissa
by discovering Kalmidadar lamproite (20045’10”N: 82022’23”E) in Nuapada district, Orissa. In quick succession two more
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lamproite dykes were reported by erstwhile AMSE Wing, GSI, Central Region at Sakri (20059’19”N:82046”37”E) and a
cluster of lamproite dykes by Operation Orissa, GSI in collaboration with Petrology Division, ER around Darrimunda,
Amlidadar and Parkom in Nuapada district.
Impetus was given on stream sediment sampling in vintage points identified by Landsat and photogeological studies to
find out indicator minerals for diamond source rock. Magnesian almandine (G-5) having MgO ranging from 9-19% were
reported in stream sediment of the Tel, Ong and Indravati river basins. However, in Ong river basin around Mundapalli
and Telepukapani, G-5 garnet (MgO-19%) accompanied by picro-ilmenite was reported. On the basis of these studies
carried out by Operation Orissa and AMSE Wing, Central Region, GSI and by Directorate of Geology, Govt. of Orissa,
five lamproite clusters/fields have been discovered during 1997-2006. However, excepting Kalmidadar, the diamondiferous
nature of the lamproite bodies are yet to be ascertained.
Twin Otter aero-geophysical survey was carried out by erstwhile AMSE Wing during 1994-98 along E-W flight lines at 500
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m interval with a mean clearance of 80 m covering an area of 27,850 sq km from Mainpur-Payalikhand area in the south
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to Raigarh-Sundargarh area in the north around Orissa-Chhattisgarh border for search of kimberlite-lamproite bodies.
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Twin Otter aero-geophysical surveys followed by ground evaluation in Khariar-Paikmal area also resulted in identification
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of four lamproite dykes in Sakri area, falling in Baragarh district. The Directorate of Geology (formerly Directorate of
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Mining & Geology), Government of Orissa, under UNDP scheme, commenced diamond exploration in 1993 and is still
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being continued even after completion of the scheme. Regional stream sediment surveys were carried out, using state-
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of-the-techniques, in about 2,000 sq km area occupied by the Proterozoic Basin in Nuapada district. Detailed surveys in
Dharambandh sector resulted in discovery of a diamondiferous olivine lamproite body at Kalmidadar and a few more
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dykes in the vicinity of villages Amlidadar, Bharuamunda, Darlimunda, Kalmidadar, Malpara and Parkom, which are under
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investigation. The lamproites have intruded pink to grey granite of the Archaean Bastar Craton. Most of the lamproites
are small elongated dykes marked by a few scattered boulders. The largest lamproite body, which is also dimanodiferous,
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occurs near Kalmidadar and has a surface dimension of about 300m x 150m with N-S trend. This lamproite is highly
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weathered to a yellowish grey, friable mass or soil with a soapy feel (yellow ground).
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Nuapada Lamproite Field

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All the lamproite bodies discovered so far in Nuapada and Bargarh districts along the periphery of the Bastar Craton
adjoining the EGMB not only opened a new area of primary source rocks, but also forms a large lamproite field (Nuapada
Lamproite Field) and deserves more attention for discovering diamondiferous bodies. Recently M/S Jindal Exploration
Ltd. has been successful on locating a number of pyroclastic lamproite bodies in the Chhattisgarh state in the Jashpur
area.
A. Kalmidadar Lamproite: Detailed investigation comprising close spaced sampling led to the discovery of highly
weathered, calcareous, light green coloured, discrete, plug like intrusive bodies within an area of 0.5 sq km, emplaced in
the granitic host rocks of Bastar Craton. Trench sampling yielded large numbers of chromite grains, pyrope garnets, with
xenocrysts of olivine and phlogopite. EPMA results confirmed that the indicator minerals are derived from diamondiferous
source rock. Further geochemical analysis of these minerals suggests the source rock as lamproite intruding the country
rock in at least two pulsations. Crystalline diamond pieces are identified from the concentrates of weathered pipe rock
(Patnaik et al. 2002). The work component of the investigation is in conformity with G-4 stage of UNFC.
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B. Sakri Lamproite: Near Sakri village (Toposheet no. 64L/13), Bargarh district, Orissa NE-SW trending olivine
lamproite dyke, cross cutting a NW-SE trending dolerite dyke has been discovered. Recently some more small lamproite
bodies have been discovered in the adjoining areas.The lamproite in Sakri confirmed by SEM/EDX studies has
olivine (altered), titaniferous phlogopite, and carbonates (dolomites and calcites), besides zinc bearing chrome spinels,
clinopyroxene, monazite and high Fe-Ba potash feldspars(sanidine?). Discovery of this lamproite has raised hopes of
finding more such dykes and main lamproite bodies along the ideal setting of the contact of Bastar Craton and Eastern
Ghat Mobile Belt. It may be mentioned here that this present setting is similar to the Krishna Lamproite Field (KLF) on
the eastern margin of Dharwar Craton just outside the NE horn of Cuddapah basin in Andhra Pradesh which is host to
a large number of lamproites in Andhra Pradesh. The work component of the investigation is in conformity with G-4
stage of UNFC.
C. Darrimunda Cluster: Eight lamproite bodies varying in dimension from 2m x 25m to 2.5m x 200m occur along
N-S to NNE-SSW within the gneissic basement belonging to Bastar Craton around Darrimunda in Nuapada district
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(Toposheet No.64L/9). Megascopically, these are fine grained, highly altered, chocolate brown to yellowish brown in
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colour containing pseudomorphs of olivine and golden brown mica. Thin section studies indicate presence of olivine,
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phlogopite, rutile, titanomagnetite, apatite and RE-minerals. Olivine occurs as euhedral phenocrysts pseudomorphed
by quartz and chlorite. Phlogopite occurs as phenocrysts and as small flakes in the groundmass. The overall texture of
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the rock is porphyritic. SEM-EDX data on groundmass phlogopite indicate high Al2O3 and variable Fe2O3 composition
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suggesting a high pressure regime in the magma chamber prior to eruption. The exploration work component of the
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investigation is in conformity with Reconnaissance (G-4) stage of UNFC.
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D. Amlidadar Lamproite Dyke: Amlidadar lamproite dyke (1m x 55m), located SE of village Amlidadar, is exposed
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along N-S within dolerite dyke at the confluence of a second order stream with Kharkhara nala (Toposhed no. 64L/9),
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14 km NW of Darrimunda cluster. It is a very fine grained, grey to pinkish grey rock with phenocrysts of olivine. In
thin section, both euhedral olivine and anhedral olivine macrocrysts are pseudomorphed by chlorite, carbonate and silica
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embedded in a phlogopite-diopside rich groundmass. The texture is porphyritic. The SEM-EDX data show wide variation
of major- oxide composition in phlogopite, while diopside has a restricted composition. Compared to the EPMA data of
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olivine-phlogopite-diopside lamproite of West Kimberly Province, Amlidadar phlogopite and diopside show lower MgO
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and higher Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The overall data imply that magma evolved and crystalised under high pressure regime. The
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exploration work component of the investigation is in conformity with Reconnaissance (G-4) stage of UNFC.
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E. Parkom Lamproite Dyke: Parkom lamproite dyke is located in the left bank of Jonk River, near the village
Parkom, 18 km west of Darrimunda cluster. This 15 m long and 0.5 m wide N-S trending vertical dyke is emplaced within
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very coarse grained pinkish white porphyritic granite. Geologic setting of this very fine grained dark grey coloured dyke
is very similar to that of Amlidadar. Available data show variation in Fe/Mg ratio between core and rim of groundmass
phlogopite. This type of compositional zoning is common in lamproites reported elsewhere. The exploration work
component of the investigation is in conformity with Reconnaissance (G-4) stage of UNFC.
Analytical Results : Determinative analytical techniques such as SEM-EDX, EPMA were pursued for suspected heavies
to identify indicator minerals. Deep red garnets recovered from samples drawn from the north of Mahasingh in southern
faulted contact zone of Gondwana with cratonic gneiss in Ib basin are identified to be magnesian almandine by SEM-EDX
with MgO around 7%. Garnets from stream sediments of Motur nala, a tributary to Tel river to south of Dharamagarh
were identified as magnesian almandine by SEM-EDX with MgO around 13%.
Suspected garnets from Indravati river basin are identified as magnesian almandine by SEM/EDX with MgO around 9%.
Total percentage of MgO, FeO, CaO of these garnets from all the three river basins when plotted on Dawson-Stephens
diagram, fall in G-5 field.
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Dossier on Diamond
The cratonic domain of Western Orissa lying in tectonic juxtaposition with circumcratonic EGMB is a promising regional
target of primary diamond exploration due to its lofty age old diamond panning records and recent discovery of kimberlite
diatremes in adjoining state of Chattisgarh having identical geological milieu.
AMSE work in Orissa: During 2005-2009, the erstwhile AMSE Wing, Ranchi carried out Reconnaissance stage (UNFC
G-4) search for kimberlite/lamproite bodies in Jharsuguda, Sundargarh and Sambalpur districts of Orissa. Significant
mineral assemblage for kimberlite clan rocks, viz. pink garnet, diopside, ilmenite, spinel, phlogopite, chrome-spinel,
olivine, zircon and micro diamonds were identified in Huma, Khandoal, Garmuda-Basantpur section, Jhilminda-Surna
section, Golabandh, Betmura, Amkani ,Dhempali and Jaighani area lying in toposheet no 64O/15. Eleven garnet grains
were found contain more than 5% MgO by EPMA probe which fall in G-5 field of Dawson and Stephens (1975).
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF JHARKHAND

Lamproite
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Eastern Indian Gondwana Lamproites
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Intrusive rocks with in the coal measures of the Gondwana sedimentary sequence in the East Indian Coalfields were
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known since early 1900’s (Gee, 1932) where they produce conspicuous thermal metamorphism. They occur as dykes
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or sills and many of the dykes are closely associated with faults. Diatremes are not known. They were intruded in the
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Lower Cretaceous between 121 and 105 Ma.These dykes were earlier identified as lamprophyric in character or as mica-
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peridotites. They have long been known in the mines of the Bokaro, Giridih, Jharia and Raniganj coalfields. Specifically,
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they intrude a cover sequence of Gondwana (Permian-Lower Cretaceous) sediments which is traditionally considered to
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be rift-controlled. The intrusions have hitherto been of essentially negative economic concern, because of their damaging
thermal effects on the coal seams, but their similarity to lamproites elsewhere was recognized after literature survey, and felt
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to warrant for further studies on these rocks themselves. However, detailed petrographical descriptions were reported in
Indian publications. Minerologically these lamproitic rocks are made up of olivine, phlogopite, clinopyroxene, amphibole
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with K-feldspar matrix and with accessory phases like apatite and opaques, including black acicular rutile and pyrite, are
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frequently conspicuous. Pyrite grains locally contain amphibole inclusions. Matrix, where not interstitial, tends to occupy
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veins or more rounded, felsic globular structures, which are merely the most obvious and well defined of many aspects
of textural inhomogeneity in these rocks. Inhomogeneity is evident also in the agglomeration of both felsic and mafic
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minerals into patches and veins and in irregular grain-size variations at thin section scale. Secondary quartz forms pools in
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a few samples. Though some of the dykes show similarities to that of olivine lamproites, but their diamondiferous nature
is yet to be established.
River Gravel
Koel – Sankh River Areas
Historic accounts reveal that diamonds were mined from Lohardaga area in Palamau district of Jharkhand. The area
forms a part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau consisting of granites and schists with minor bands/lenses of amphibolite,
quartzite and calc-silicate rocks and is drained by Koel and Sankh rivers. Ancient occurrences for diamond are reported
from sands and gravels around Sima. Local inhabitants in the area are not aware of diamond occurrences in recent years.
However, GSI carried out Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) investigation during 1969-71. Gravel sampling was done
along the Koel and Sankh rivers. Processing of about 70 tonnes did not yield diamonds. Ultrabasic rocks are also not
found in about 50 sq km area examined.
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Fig. 3.1 : Generalised Geological Map of southern India showing Kimberlite / Lamproite Fields
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Dossier on Diamond
Chapter – 3
SOUTHERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (SIDP)
The Southern Indian Diamond Province (SIDP) perhaphs the largest diamond province in the country is confined to the
Dharwar Craton in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. On the northern side, it extends below
the vast cover of Deccan basalts. The Dharwar Craton is bounded to the south by the Southern Granulite Belt; to the
north east by Godavari Graben; to east by the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt unto the west by the Arabian Sea. The craton is
broadly divided into two - Western Block (mostly in Karnataka) and Eastern Block (mostly in Andhra Pradesh), separated
by the Closepet Granite (Fig. 3.1) - SIDP is known from antiquity, for its most beautiful, famous and large size diamonds.
The ancient diamond mining activity was concentrated mostly along the alluvial tracts of the Krishna River in parts of the
State of Andhra Pradesh. Many celebrated diamonds like the Great Moghul (787 ct), the Koh-i-Noor (105ct) Pitt/Regent
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(140 ct), Nizam (340 ct), Hope (43 ct), Orlov (190ct), Darya-i-Noor (185ct), etc. are known to have been recovered from
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the mines along the alluvial tracts of the Krishna River, aptly referred as the diamond river by Ptolemy.
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The Dharwar Craton exposes a greenstone-granite association composed of gneisses, linear greenstone (schist) belts
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in sea of late to post-tectonic granitoids granites (Closepet Granite and its equivalents). These were intruded by mafic
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dyke swarms; and are overlain by Meso-to-Neo Proterozoic intracratonic sedimentary basins like Cuddapah Basin and its
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equivalents, viz. the Pakhal Basin and Kaladgi Basin and other younger basins, viz. Kurnool, Pakhal, Bhima and Sullavai
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(Radhakrishna 1990, Drury et. al. 1984). The granite-greenstone terrain and sediments in the north and northwestern part
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are covered by Cretaceous-Tertiary lava flows of the Deccan Trap. The cratonic granite – gneiss assemblage concealed
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below the lava flows perhaps extends upto the Son–Narmada lineament in the north.
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The general geological sequence in the gneissic terrain to the west of Cuddapah Basin is as follows :
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Younger intrusives Kimberlites, Lamproite and gabbro dykes, pink and grey granites
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Mafic dyke swarm

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Adamellite - Granite suite (AG)

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Tonalite - Granodiorite - Adamellite suite (TGA)

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Dharwar Supergroup Greenstones represented by meta basic / meta-acid volcanics and volcano -
genic sedimentaries
Peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC) Tonalite-Trondhjemite gneiss (TTG)
Older Metamorphics Amphibolite, banded ferruginous quartzite as enclaves in PGC
Dharwar Craton remained free of any orogenic movements since ~ 2500 Ma. The Southern Granulite Terrain, on the other
hand, shows imprints of Pan African (600 – 500 Ma) remobilization marked by the EW to WNW – ESE trending shear
belts (Ramakrishnan, 1993). These major geological events in the South Indian Shield were followed by the fragmentation
of the Gondwana land, northward drifting of the Indian Plate and widespread lava flows of the Deccan Traps under the
influence of a mantle plume activity.
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Fig. 3.2 : Geological Map showing Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF), Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
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Fig. 3.3 : Geological Map showing Narayanpet Kimberlite Field (NKF) Mahabubnagar district, Andhra Pradesh and
Gulbarga district, Karnataka
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Fig. 3.4 : Geological Map showing Raichur Kimberlite Field (RKF), Raichur, Karnataka
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Fig. 3.5 : Geological Map showing Raichur Kimberlite Field (RKF), Raichur, Karnataka
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The SIDP is bestowed with both primary (kimberlites and lamproites) and secondary (conglomerates and gravels) sources
of diamond. The SIDP is endowed with both kimberlites and lamproites which are localised within the Eastern Block of
the Craton. Kimberlites discovered in SIDP are distributed in four fields, viz. (1) Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) in
Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh (Fig. 3.2) (2) Narayanpet Kimberlite Field (NKF) in Mahabubnagar district, Andhra
Pradesh and Gulbarga district, Karnataka (Fig. 3.3, 3.4, 3.5) (3) Raichur Kimberlite Field (RKF) in Raichur district,
Karnataka (Fig. 3.5) and (4) Tungabhadra Kimberlite Field (TKF) in Raichur district, Karnataka and Mahabubnagar
district, Andhra Pradesh. Most of the WKF pipes are diamondiferous, but the NKF and RKF pipes have not yet been
proved to be diamondiferous. There are three lamproite fields which also occur in the EDC, viz. (1) Krishna Lamproite
Field (KLF), (2) Nallamalai Lamproite Field (NLF) of the Cuddapah basin and (3) Ramadugu Lamproite Field which is
as follows :
The SIDP is well known for secondary rocks, i.e. conglomerate and river gravels, which are distributed over large areas,
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compared to any other diamond provinces of India. Almost all the occurrence are confined to Andhra Pradesh. Several
diamondiferous conglomerates, sandstone beds, of which the Neo-Proterozoic conglomerate, occurring at the base of
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the Kurnool Group of rocks was extensively mined in the past in both Kurnool and Palnad basins. Old workings are also
found in the Meso-Proterozoic Cumbum pebbly sandstone beds, older to the Banganapalle Conglomerate, occurring in
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the Kolluru area in the northeastern horn of the Cuddapah Basin. Though this diamond occurrence is rather localised,
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it is significant, because many of the world famous diamonds were reportedly recovered from the Krishna River gravels.
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Another localised occurrence of the old mining activity, confined to the (?) Jurassic conglomerate and associated with
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Gollapalli Sandstone around Mallavalli to east of Vijayawada and southeast of the EGMB. No detailed exploration was
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carried out to estimate the extent and assess diamond occurrences in both the Cumbum Pebbly Beds and Gollapalli
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Conglomerates. The gravels mainly of the Krishna River along with those of the Tungabhadra, Penner, Sagileru, Kundair,
Hindri and Ramileru rivers yielded large quantities of diamonds. There are no diamond occurrences in the Godavari
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Gravels.
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In SIDP, GSI carried out geological surveys covering about 29,540 sq km in Anantapur, Kurnool, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda
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and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh, during 1994-2009 and about 13,680 sq km areas in Gulbarga, Raichur and Bellary
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districts in Karnataka during 1996-2008. Some of the areas were revisited from time to time.
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As part of the geophysical mapping programme in the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDP) in relation to the kimberlite
emplacements within the granite-greenstone terrain of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, systematic regional gravity and
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magnetic surveys, at one station per 2.5 sq km, were conducted since 1968 covering an area of about 94,000 sq km in parts
of 125 toposheets pertaining to15 degreesheets. Detailed geophysical surveys employing gravity, magnetic and electrical
resistivity surveys on 1:20,000 scale were carried in about 50 sq km in parts of 30 toposheets. In addition, an area of 20
sq km was surveyed systematically by employing electrical resistivity and seismic refraction methods in Nandigama area
for placer diamonds in the Krishna Gravels. Pipes - 6, 8, 9 in Lattavaram area and MK-2 in Maddur area are the notable
geophysical discoveries.
Multi-sensor Twin Otter aero geophysical surveys were carried out over 3240 sq km in Wajrakarur area and Vedavati Basin
(mostly in Andhra Pradesh) during 1986-87 at 500 m line spacing and 60-80 m flight altitude. During 2001-04, about
12,940 sq km was flown at 500 m line spacing and 150 m flight altitude in Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar and Narayanpet areas
in Andhra Pradesh. Ground follow-up surveys in prioritised areas resulted in the discovery of Mantralayam Kimberlite
(MNK-1) on the banks of Tungabhadra River, Andhra Pradesh. The salient features of the kimberlite/lamproite fields
and conglomerate/river gravel are as follows :
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Dossier on Diamond
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Kimberlite
Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (Wajrakarur – Lattavaram area (WKF)

Geographical data
Area : Wajrakarur – Lattavaram, Anantapur District.
Coordinates : Lat. 14005’ – 15003’ : Long. 77018’ – 77023’
Toposheet nos : 57E/8 & F/5
Extent : Extends in about 25 x 10 km area between Wajrakarur (15001’: 77023’; T.S no. 57 E/8) in the north and
Muligiripalle (14051’; 77019’; 57F/5) in the south.
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Access : Easily accessible from Guntakal, an important railway junction which is about 15 to 45 km from the
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area.Guntakal-Anantapur State Highway passes through the area.
IN
The WKF measures ~120 km x 60 km and falls close to the western margin of the Cuddapah Basin and occupies
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the western parts of Anantpur district and the southern parts of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh (Fig. 3.2). The
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kimberlites are emplaced into the gneisses and schist belt.
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The area exposes the metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Ramagiri-Penakacherla Schist Belt surrounded
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by gneisses (Peninsular Gneissic Complex), which are intruded by late- to post-kinematic granitoids (Closepet Granite and
it equivalents). Quartzo-feldspathic veins and pegmatites intrude these granites and schist belt units. NW-SE and ENE-
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WSW trending dolerite, gabbro and lamprophyre dykes constitute younger mafic intrusive bodies. The kimberlites are the
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youngest intrusives emplaced into various lithounits, around 840-1200 Ma in age and found on the pediplain occurring
at an elevation of 460-500 m above msl indicating substantial erosion of the kimberlite bodies. Experimental studies of
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co-existing facies in the mantle xenoliths revealed that depth of origin of these kimberlites could be ranging from 100-180
km. The dominant controlling structures for kimberlite emplacement in this field are the major ENE-WSW trending faults
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and their intersections with NW-SE faults/fractures. Some of these ENE-WSW faults could be traced from Chitradurga
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Schist Belt in the west to the East Coast of India through the Cuddapah Basin.
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The WKF contains 32 kimberlite pipes spread over four clusters, namely Wajrakarur-Lattavaram (fifteen pipes; P1 to
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P15), Chigicherla (five pipes; CC1 to CC5), Kalyandurg (six pipes; KL1 to KL3 by GSI, KL-5 KL6 by NMDC) and
Timmasumdram (six pipes, TK1 to TK6). In the Wajrakarur Cluster, all the tested pipes except P5, P12, P14 and P15 have
G
been found to be diamondiferous, whereas pipe P13 has not been tested. In the Chigicherla Cluster all the pipes except
CC3 are diamondiferous. In the Kalyandurg Cluster only three pipes have been tested, out of which, KL1 and KL2 are
diamondiferous and KL3 is non-diamondiferous. In the Timmasumdram cluster microdiamonds have been reported in
the TK 4 pipe.
The kimberlites generally contain olivine, serpentine, carbonate, enstatite, diopside, phlogopite, perovskite, magnetite,
ilmenite, iddingsite, melilite, etc. Olivine is the most common phenocryst followed by pyroxene, garnet, ilmenite and mica.
They are set in a fine grained matrix giving panidiomorphic texture. The matrix is completely altered into serpentine,
chlorite, amphiboles and clay minerals. The pipes 2 and 5 contain high amounts of phlogopite, perovskite, richterite,
melilite and glass and are classified as lamproites.
The kimberlites generally show high values of MgO, Al2O3, CaO, K2O and TiO2. MgO varies from 7.2% to 31.71%. In the
micaceous variety, TiO2 shows high values of 2.45% to 2.57%. K2O is present in higher amounts ranging from 0.55% to
3.37%. Geochemical data suggest that the pipes 2 and 5 have affinity to lamproites. They are characterised by significantly
high values of TiO2, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O and P2O5.
91
Crustal xenoliths (mostly granite and metabasalt) are high in the pipes 1, 6 and 7 and mantle xenoliths (lherzolite, hartzburgite,
and dunite) and peraluminous corundum and kyanite eclogites in the pipes 3 and 4. The kimberlite indicators, viz. pyrope
garnet, picro-ilmenite and chrome-diopside are more predominant in the pipe 7 and also in the pipes 3, 4 and 6.
Geophysical surveys comprising gravity, magnetic and resistivity surveys have resulted in discovery of the pipes 6, 8 and
9. The unweathered kimberlites (2 and 5) showed high gravity, magnetic and resistivity values whereas the weathered
kimberlites (1 and 6) gave low gravity of 0.5 m gals and low resistivity values in the range of 15 to 20 ohm m.
GSI carried out exploration by delineating their extent by pitting/drilling and or bulk sampling to know their diamond
incidence/potential. In respect of some pipes large quantities of bulk samples collected and processed, eg. Pipe - 1
(13,780 tonnes), Pipe - 2 (2,400 tonnes), Pipe - 6 (8,471 tonnes), Pipe - 7 (2,736 tonnes), Pipe - 8 (1,773 tonnes) and
Pipe - 10 (1,434 tonnes). In a majority of the pipes sampling was done upto six meters depth except in Pipe 1 & 6 where
underground sampling was carried out. All the pipes of WKF are found diamondiferous, except one or two bodies.
Except TK-4 and Pipe-7 (dyke) which indicated a grade of 64 cpht and 8 cpht respectively the remaining bodies showed
poor values. The majority of the diamonds from the WKF are gem quality and exhibit modified forms. The largest gem
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variety diamond recovered in exploratory operations is 16.30 carats (Pipe-7). Micro diamonds have been reported from
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the exploration by Rio Tinto Exploration Ltd. discoveries but further detailed sampling is required to know their grade.
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The resources of the Kimberlites and diamond estimated for the Pipe-1, 6, 7 and TK-4 are given in the table 3.1.
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Table 3.1 : Estimated resource of Kimberlites and Diamond in WKF
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Pipe No Kimberlite Diamond resource (ct) Grade (cpht)
Resource (million tonne)
Y
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Pipe-1(SW part) 6.94 (up to 60m depth) 52,000 <1
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Pipe-6 5.99 (up to 60m depth) 40,000 <1

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Pipe-7 0.5 (up to 90m depth) 48,000 8

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TK-4 2,700 (up to 25 m depth) 1,728 64

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Besides the above 32 pipes, Rio Tinto Exploration Ltd reported fifteen kimberlite bodies intruding into SW margin of
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Cuddapah Basin in the Gooty area of Anantapur district and is christened as Gooty cluster. The details of which are not
available.
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A. Wajrakarur-Lattavaram Clusters
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There are fifteen kimberlite bodies in the area, (four Pipes 1, 2, 6 and 15 at Wajrakarur, four Pipes 3, 4, 8 & 9 at Lattavaram,
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two at Muligiripalle Pipes 5 & 13 and Venkatampalle dyke Pipe 7, P-10 at Anumpalle, P-11 at Dibbasanipalle P-12 at
Chintalampalle and P-14 at Bodisanipalle). These are found on the pediplain rising to an elevation of 460 – 480m above
MSL. Of the 15 kimberlites, except the Pipe 6, the rest occur in the residual soil area drained by the Pennar River system.
The Pipe 6 occurs under black soil cover drained by the Hagari River system.
a. Wajrakarur Kimberlites
In Wajrakarur area, four kimberlite bodies (pipes 1, 2, 6 & 15) are found over a length of 4 km in an E-W direction. The
Pipe 6 occurs in black soil area, whereas the rest in the residual, brown soil covered area. The details of each pipe are as
follows.
Pipe -1 (Wajrakarur pipe)
It is the largest kimberlite pipe in the country and has been mined for diamonds intermittently between 17th and 20th
centuries. In this pipe, General Exploration Stage (UNFC G-2) work was carried out.
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Dossier on Diamond
Location : On the northwestern side of Wajrakarur village (15001’ N; 77023’E

Toposheet
57 E/8.
Dimension : 1080m x 180 m, longer axis trending N 60 E-S 60 W; walls dip at 800 – 850 into the pipe
Drilling : Total 3268 m in 26 boreholes. Deepest borehole up to 277 m. Yellow ground (3 to 13 m thick) occurs
in the south-western part of the pipe followed by blue ground which extends beyond 277 m. In the
north eastern part hardebank intersected at depths between 77 and 151m. Crustal xenoliths constitute
about 40 to 60% in the upper part and decrease to 30% at depth.
Sampling : Bulk sample pits on 100 x 30 m grid along N-S lines- total 36 pits (each 3x2x10m in size), 24 in the
southeastern part and 12 in the northeastern part – about 20 tonnes of kimberlite drawn from each
pit, underground workings in the southeastern part two shafts (each 3 x 2m in size) up to 34m depth
connected by a 90m long drive (2 x 2m in size), two cross cuts (2 x 2m) from the shaft – 1, one 45.7m
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long in northerly direction and another 91.8m long in southerly direction.
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Diamond incidence and resources : Diamond incidence from the surface and underground samples is presented in
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Table 3.2 :
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Table 3.2 : Diamond incidence from the surface and underground samples of Wajrakarur Pipe
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Quantity processed No. of diamonds wt (ct)
Y Diamond incidence (cpht)
(tonnes)
VE
Surface samples (36 pits) 9,028 202/48.65 0.53
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Underground samples 4,752 182/32.23 0.67

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Total 13,780 384/80.88 0.58

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In the southwestern part there are a few pockets with diamond incidence up to 3 cpht. The incidence is generally low in
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the northeastern part (Table 3.3).

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Table 3.3 : Area wise diamond incidence in Wajrakarur Pipe

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Area Quantity processed No. of diamond wt (ct) Diamond incidence

(tonnes) (cpht)
EO
SW part 10,530 360/79.79 0.75

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NE part 3,250 24/1.09 0.03
The indicated resources (UNFC - 332) estimated for the southwestern part of P-1 (400 x 150m) is about 6.94 million
tonnes upto 60 m depth with a diamond resource of 52,000 ct. As the incidence is very low, the resource estimates were
not made for the northeastern part.
Though the average incidence is less, a large majority of diamonds, in general, are gem quality and diamonds upto
9.45 ct were recovered. Large size diamonds are recovered even today by locals from the adjoining fields mostly during
monsoon.
Pipe - 2 (Wajrakarur east pipe)
Location : About 2.5 km east of Wajrakarur
Dimension : 380 x 70m, longer axis trending N 75o E – S 75o W. Recent work (F.S. 2000-2002) established that it is
a composite body comprising of the main and two satellite bodies.
93
Drilling : 11boreholes,unalteredkimberlite/ hardebank at surface

Sampling : Earlier 772 tonnes of kimberlite was processed but no diamond was discovered. Recent work (F.S. 2000-
2002) established that the pipe is diamondiferous. Three diamonds were recovered after processing
278 tonnes of kimberlitic material. Diamonds are of gem variety and range of weight is 0.04 to 3.26
ct.
In this pipe, Prospecting Stage (UNFC G-3) level of work was carried out and no resource was
estimation was not done.
Pipe-6 (Wajrakarur west pipe)
Location : About 1.5 km west of Wajrakarur and 300m north of Kottakunta tank
Dimension : 260 x 240m – roughly circular in shape
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Drilling : 19 boreholes. Deepest borehole up to 280m depth. The body is completely covered under 1.5m
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thick black soil. Yellow ground occurs up to a depth of 45m, followed by blue ground which extends
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beyond 280m depth. A granite – kimberlite breccia raft (170m long and 30-80m wide) is found in the
centre of the pipe extending up to 35 to 40m depth. Granite xenoliths constitute up to 70% of the
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rock.
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Sampling : Bulk sample pitting on 40 x 40m grid covering the entire body excluding the breccia – 25pits (each 3
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x 2 x 10m size) amounting to 1500 cu m of excavation. Underground sampling from two shafts (each
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upto 45m depth) and one drive 143.5m long (2 x 2 m size) at 45 m depth. Total excavation is about
1104 cu m.
R
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The sampling results are presented in (Table 3.4) :

Table 3.4 : Diamond incidence in Pipe-6 (Wajrakarur west pipe)
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Quantity processed No. of diamonds wt (ct) Diamond incidence

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(tonnes) (cpht)
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Surface samples (25 pits) 3,754 129/30.34 0.80

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Underground samples 4,717 242/26.47 0.56

EO
Total 8,471 371/56.81 0.67

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In this pipe, General Exploration Stage (UNFC G-2) level of work was carried out and an indicated resources of 5.99
million tonnes with a diamond resource of 40,000 ct was estimated (332) up to 60 m depth.
Pipe -15 (Wajrakarur Kimberlite)
Pipe P-15, located 2.5 km east of Wajrakarur, is an oval shaped body with a dimension of 30x190m. It is extensively
weathered with 1-1.5 m thick calcrete cover. For collection of bulk samples, 62.5 cu.m of pitting was carried out in 2 pits
measuring 2.5 x 3 x 3 m and 3 x 3.6 x 3.7 m each. A total of 118 tonnes of kimberlite material was collected and processed.
The jig concentrates contained kimberlitic pyrope garnet, chrome-diopside and picro-ilmenite. However, no diamond was
found. The exploration is categorized as UNFC G-4 stage.
b. Lattavaram Kimberlites
Four kimberlites (pipes 3, 4, 8 and 9) are located in a radius of 0.5 km., about 1 to 1.5km east of Lattavaram (14055’: 77017’;
Topsheet no. : 57F/5). Outcrops are scanty but covered by a veneer of soil. In this area prospecting stage (UNFC G-3
stage) exploration was carried out.
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Dossier on Diamond
The results of exploration are given in Table 3.5 :

Table 3.5 : Details of Diamond recovery
Pipe Dimension Area (ha) No. of boreholes Quantity No. of Diamond
No. (m) metreage drilled Processed diamonds wt incidence (cpht)
(m) (tonnes) (ct)
3 120x40 0.48 6/634.10 907 12/2.55 0.28
4 265x130 3.45 11/863.55 2400 30/6.02 0.25
8 110x55 0.50 5/282.20 1773 40/5.95 0.33
9 37x21 0.07 229 4/1.17 0.5
c. Muligiripalle Kimberlite
In Muligiripalle two kimberlite pipes (Pipes 5 & 13) are located. In this area Prospecting Stage (UNFC G-3 stage)
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exploration was carried out.
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Location : About 1.5 km east of Muligiripalle
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Dimension : 240 x 45 m, Longer axis trending N 85o E – S 85o W
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Drilling : Total1049.55 m in nine boreholes. Harde bank in the northern part, yellow ground in the southern
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part, 2 to 5m thick-blue ground up to 12m depth beyond which harde bank occurs.
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Sampling : From P-5 five bulk sample pits (3 x 2 x 10m each) of 276 cum of excavation was done and 482 tonnes
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sample material was processed. No diamonds were recovered. No processing was done for P-13.
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d. Venkatampalle Kimberlite
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In Venkatampalle, one kimberlite pipe (Pipe 7) is located. In this area, General Exploration Stage (UNFC G-2 stage)
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investigation was carried out.

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Location : About 0.5 km east of Venkatampalle (14056’ N; 77021’; Topsheet no. : E 57F/5)
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Dimension : 1.2 km long x 0.5 to 30m wide – dyke like body

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Trend : N 50o E – S 50 o W
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Drilling : Total 4372.40 m in 34 boreholes drilled over 1.2 km length.
24 - I series holes (30 m depth)
7 - II Series holes (125 m depth)
3 - III Series holes (250 m depth)
Of the 1.2 km length, dyke enlargements are over 600 m length. In the remaining 600 m length,
kimberlite is in the form of veins along the fracture/fault zone. I series intersections are fairly
consistent in the central part of the dyke (thickness up to 10 m) – thickness reduces in II and III Series
intersections.
Sampling : Bulk samples from ten trenches in seven dyke enlargements trenches 3 to 4m deep – total excavation
is 1663 cu m.
95
The results of sampling are given in Table 3.6 :

Kimberlite Overburden in m.
Processing (tonnes) 1515 1221
No.of diamond/wt(ct) 1142/119.52 2838/543.26
Av. Diamond incidence (cpht) 7.88 44.5
Kimberlite resources : Indicated resource of about 0.5 million tonne (UNFC - 332) of kimberlite material
upto 90 m vertical depth (for the 600m length of dyke enlargements) was estimated.
The overburden is about 14000 tonnes.
Diamond resources : Indicated resource (UNFC - 332) of diamonds is 48000 ct up to 90 m depth in the
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kimberlite and 4700 ct in the overburden.
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Diamond characteristics : The majority of the diamonds recovered from the kimberlitres are gem quality. Till
IN
now, the pipes 1 and 6 and dyke 7 have yielded more number of diamonds. In the pipes
1 & 6, about 90% of the diamonds by weight are gem quality and in the dyke-7, about
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60% by weight. The largest diamond recovered from the area is 16.30 ct by weight
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(from dyke-7) and is of gem variety.
e. Anumpalle Kimberlite
Y
VE
In Anumpalle one kimberlite pipe (Pipe 10) is located. In this area, Prospecting Stage (UNFC G-3 stage) exploration was
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carried out.
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Location : 0.75 km west of Anumpalle village (14059’ 40” N: 77030’ 55”/)E

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Dimension : 1200 m long x 1000 m wide pod shaped body

Trend : N 600W – S 600E
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The pipe is emplaced into the younger granitoids at the intersection of the ENE –WSW fracture with the major NW-SE
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trending Singanamala Fault. No outcrops, covered by 1.5 m kimberlite calcretre, rafts of granite float in the kimberlite
– two linear disconnected satellite bodies noticed to the west of the main body. The details of the work carried out are
EO
given in Table 3.7 :

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Pipe Area in Material processed Diamond recovery No/ Diamond incidence

no hectares (tonnes) Wt.Ct. (ct/100 tonnes)
P-10 63 1434 48/14.71 0.78
The area is taken up for mining by NMDC.

f. Dibbsanipalle Kimberlite
In Dibbsanipalle, one kimberlite pipe (Pipe 11) is located. In this area, Prospecting Stage (UNFC G-3 stage) exploration
was carried out.
Location : 0.5 km SSE of Dibbsanipalle village (15002’ 00” N: 77028’ 00”E)
Dimension : 143 m long x 82 m wide Bean shaped
Trend : ENE - WSW
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Dossier on Diamond
Pipe is emplaced close to the contact of the TT gneisses and TGA rocks close to the intersection of the ENE-WSW
fracture with the NW-SE major fault. Scattered boulders of melanocratic kimberlite occur on surface and are covered by
1m thick calcrete soils. The details of the work carried out are given in Table 3.8 :

Pipe Area in hectares Materials processed (tonnes) Diamond recovery Diamond incidence
no (no/wt.ct.) (ct/100
tonnes)
P-11 1.1 275 2/2.15 0.78
g. Chintalampalle Kimberlite
In Chintalampalle area, one kimberlite pipe (Pipe 12) so far has been identified after Prospecting Stage (UNFC G-3 stage)
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exploration was carried out.
D
IN
Location : 1 km west of Chintalampalle village (15002/ 00// N: 77028/ 00// E)
F
Dimension : 130 m long x 40 m wide
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Trend : N600E – S600W
Y
VE
Pipe is emplaced into the younger granitoids along a NE –SW trending fault and its intersection with the NW-SE trending
major fault. Melanocratic outcrops, rest of the body is highly weathered and carbonated. The details of work carried out
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are as given in Table 3.9 :

SU

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Pipe Area in Materials processed Diamond recovery Diamond incidence

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no Hectares (tonnes) (no/wt.ct). (ct/100t)

G
P-12 0.48 69 Nil Nil

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Pipe-13 (Tummatapalle Kimberlite)

EO
Location : 2.5 km NE of Tummatapalle village (14049/ 55// N: 77041/ 00//E)

G
Kimberlite is emplaced into the TGA rocks along a ENE-WSW sinistral fault that displaces the Manutla dome. Melanocratic
outcrops and partly weathered and altered kimberlite capped by calcretes are found. The exploration is of Reconnaissance
Stage (UNFC G-4 stage).
Pipe -14 (Bodisanipalle Kimberlite)
P-14 kimberlite body is located within the TGA suite of granitoids to the NNW of Bodasanipalle village (T.S.No. 57
E/8) in Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field. Bulk samples were drawn by exploratory pitting from P-14 kimberlite body. It is
devoid of exposure and concealed totally under 1 m thick calcrete mixed soil cover. Exploratory pitting revealed its surface
dimensions to be around 80 m x 100 m with the longer axis trending NNW-SSE. Bulk samples were drawn from the
calcrete mixed soil as well as the soft weathered greenish/yellowish kimberlite from the exploratory pits (4 m deep) and
no diamonds were recovered. The exploration is categorized as UNFC G-4 stage.
97
B. Chigicherla Cluster (WKF)

Geographic data
Area : Chigicherla is about 60 km southeast of Wajrakarur-Lattavaram area, Anantapur district.
Coordinates : Lat: 14031/ N : Long. 77041/E ; Toposheet no. 57F/10
Access : Located about 12 km north of Dharmavaram and 20 km SSE of Anantapur – easily approachable
from Anantapur-Bangalore NH 7. Guntakal – Bangalore railway line passes through the area.
Geological : The Chigicherla kimberlite bodies are emplaced into the grey hornblende granites and dolerites. (in
set-up Chitravatri sub-basin). These bodies occur on a high flat terrain around 400m above MSL. Major basic
dykes trend in NE-SW and NW-SE directions.
Exploration : So far, five kimberlites are reported in the area, one in 1989 by CGWB and the other in 1992 by GSI.
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The body CC-1 is about 1.5 km northeast of Chigicherla and the CC-2, about 0.75 km north of the
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village. Both the kimberlites are partly covered by red soil/calcrete. A few hard outcrops occur. The
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exploration is categorized as UNFC G-4 stage.
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The body CC-1 is pale green coloured, porphyritic with numerous anhedral olivines set in the fine
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grained matrix of serpentine, carbonates and opaque dust. Two generations of olivine are present.
The kimberlite indicators are rare. Y
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Pipe CC-1
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Dimension : 315 x 185 m – pear shaped, longer axis trending NW-SE.

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Sampling : A grab sample of 119 tonnes from a well dump in the body yielded four diamonds weighing 0.44 ct.
Subsequently 436 tonnes of material has been processed which yielded five diamonds weighing 1.31
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ct averaging 0.30 cpht.

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Maximum depth of trenches 3.5 m,overburden thickness 0.35 to 2.40 m.

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Body CC-2
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Dimension : 200 m x 175m

EO
Trend : NNW-SSE
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Sampling : A total of 302 tonnes of kimberlite material was processed which yielded two diamonds weighing 1.02
ct averaging 0.35 cpht.
The body covers 3.5 hectares of area and is emplaced into the TGA rocks close to the intersection of
ENE-WSW fracture with the NW-SE shear.
Body CC-3
Dimension : 70 x 15m
Trend : N-S
Sampling : 20 tonnes (composite sample) from the pipe CC–3 was processed and no diamonds were recovered.
This kimberlite body covers an area of 0.1 hectare and is emplaced at the contact of the Ramagiri
Schist Belt and the younger granitoids along a ENE-WSW trending fracture.
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Dossier on Diamond
Body CC-4
Location : This kimberlite located about 1.75 km west of Golapalle, close to the intersection of a ENE –WSW
fault with a NW-SE fracture.
Dimension : 125 m x 100 m, nearly circular in outline
Incidence of
diamond : Fifteen diamonds weighing 2.17 ct were recovered from 88 tonnes of weathered kimberlite material
drawn from five trenches, indicating an average diamond incidence of 2.46 cpht.
The bulk samples weighing about 50 tonnes from the Hardebank variant of the Pipe CC – 4, and a
total of six diamonds weighing 0.63 ct were recovered.
Body CC-5
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Location : This kimberlite body is located about 1km NE of Gollapalle.
D
IN
Dimension : 220 m x 70 m
Incidence of
F
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diamond : Six diamonds weighing 1.38 ct have been recovered from 175 tonnes of material from pipe CC-5. All
are gems ranging in weight from 0.05 to 0.51 ct, the average weight of the stones being 0.23 ct.
Y
VE
C. Kalyandurg Cluster
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This cluster consists of six pipes, out of which data is available for three pipes (KL-1, KL-2 and KL-3 ) explored by GSI.
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The rest of three pipes are being explored by NMDC currently, details of which are not available.
Pipe – KL - 1 (Pillapalle Kimberlite)

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Location : 1 km NNE of Pillapalle village (14034’ 10” N: 77001’ 10”E)

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LO
Trend : NNW - SSE

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The Pillalapalli Kimberlite (KL-1) is located about 1 km NNE of Pillalapalli and about 15 km WNW
of Kalyandurg in Anantapur district. It is completely concealed under a 3.00 m thick alluvial soil cover.
G
Even the kimberlite calcrete, which generally caps the weathered kimberlite, is absent. However, the
kimberlite is exposed in a well section and is easily discernible due to its greyish green colour and
distinct porphyritic texture. It is a highly weathered and altered rock with phenocrysts of olivine
pseudomorphs altered to either serpentine or iddingsite and profusely replaced by carbonates. Crustal
xenoliths of granite and disintegrated fragments of the pink feldspar impart a pink spotted appearance
to the rock. Ilmenite macrocysts measuring up-to 5 cm are seen in the rock, normally with a coat of
leucoxene or an alteration rim around the grain. The other xenocrystic minerals noticed in the order
of abundance are chrome-diopside, pink to purple coloured garnet, phlogopite and spinel.
Pipe is emplaced into the Closepet Granite close to the intersection of NNW-SSE fracture with
the ENE-WSW trending fracturers. No outcrop could be seen. However, highly weathered and
carbonated megacryst of ilmenite were seen in the pit section. Reconnaissance Stage (UNFC G-4
stage) exploration was carried out. Processing of 280 tonnes of bulk sample material has yielded one
diamond weighing 0.08 ct.
99
Pipe KL – 2 (Mupalakunta)
Location : 1.5 km north of Mupalakunta village (14033’ 20” : 77002’ 30”)
The Mupalakunta Kimberlite (KL-2) is located about 1.0 km NW of Mupalakunta and 12 km WNW
of Kalyandurg in Anantapur district, A.P. It has no exposures and is covered by greyish to buff
coloured kimberlite calcrete of 1.00 to 1.5 m thickness. The kimberlite is a highly weathered, altered
and carbonated rock with typical inequigranular and porphyritic textures. The olivine pseudomorphs
are invariably altered to serpentine and in many cases replaced by carbonates. Phlogopite mica is
frequently seen in the rock.
IA
It is oval shaped emplaced into the Closepet Granite along ENE – WSW trending fractures. No
outcrop is seen and is covered under kimberlite calcrete. Megacrysts of ilmenite, eclogite and kyanite
D
IN
bearing eclogite nodule are extensively recovered.
F
From panned concentrate of 50 kg weathered kimberlite material one micro-diamond was
O
recovered.
Pipe KL -3 (Nagireddipalle)
Y
VE
Location : 0.5 Km NNW of Nagireddipalle village (14033’40”N: 76058’30”E)

R
SU

AL
Trend : ENE - WSW

IC
The Nagireddipalli Kimberlite (KL-3) is located about 1 km NW of Nagireddipalli and about 20 km

G
WNW of Kalyandurg. A few hardebank occur as detached outcrops, while 1.5 m thick kimberlitic
LO
calcrete, caps the concealed weathered kimberlite (yellow grond). It exhibits a distinct tonal variation
to the reddish brown granite soil that surrounds the kimberlite body. It is a NNW-SSE trending
EO
linear body with a length of 380 m and varying in width from 70 m to 190 m, the average width
being 130 m. The exposed area of the kimberlite is 5 hectares. The hardebank rock is melanocratic,
G
steel grey which is also seen in the rock. The groundmass minerals are mostly altered. Kimberlite is
emplaced in Closepet Granite along ENE-WSW trending fractures. Ilmenite megacrysts are seen over
the kimberlite.
D. Timmasamudram Cluster
Six kimberlite pipes (TK-1 toTK-6) have been discovered during 2004-07 and are located near Timmasamudram -
Maukthipuram village (Lat. N14030’30”- N14032’40”: Long. E770 15’37”-770 18’30” Toposheet no. 56F/6) in Anantapur
district. The rock exposed in the Timmasamudram area extends in a general NW-SE trend.The attitude of the fracture is
ENE-WSW and NNE-SSW.
Exploration: Reconnaissance Stage (UNFC G-4) investigation was carried out in TK-1, TK-2 & TK-3, while in TK-4,
Prospecting (UNFC G-3) stage investigation was carried out. Except TK-4, all other pipes are non diamondiferous.
100
Dossier on Diamond
TK-1 & TK-2 (Non-diamondiferous)
Location : 2.5 km WSW of Timmasamudram village 14031’17”N : 77017’15”; Toposheet no. 57 F/6
Shape/Trend : Distorted rhombus
Nature of
Emplacement : Emplaced into TTG granitoids closer to the intersection of ENE-WSW and NW-SE fractures.
Nature of
Outcrop : Capped by 1.5 m thick soil cover mixed with calcrete followed downwards by weathered kimberlite.
The TK-l and TK-2 (Timmasamudram) kimberlite bodies measure 30 m x 50 m approximately and are located along a
major ENE-WSW fracture in TGA suite of granitoids (Archaean) at about 2.5 km (TK- 1) and 1.5 km (TK-2) WSW of
IA
Timmasamudram village (Topsheet no. 57 F/6) in Anantapur district. TK-2 pipe is located along the same fracture. Both
D
the pipes have calcrete spread and stray kimberlite fragments in the cultivated lands and are soft variants of kimberlite
IN
exposed by pitting. Kimberlite shows large rounded macrocryst of olivine (up to 1cm across) embedded in a fine grained
F
groundmass of serpentinised and carbonated olivine. Mantle peridotites and crustal granitoid nodules occur in these
O
bodies. The heavy mineral populations include picroilmenite, chrome -spinels, chrome -diopside and pyrope garnet in the
order of abundance. Y
VE
TK-3 (Non - Diamondiferous)
R
SU
The Pipe TK-3 from the Timmasamudram cluster is located on the left bank of Penner River at about 1.5 km WSW of
Timmasamudram village and TK-3 is located at about 0.6 km SE of TK-2. The Pipe TK-3 is a northerly-elongated oval
AL
shaped body measuring 50X30 m in dimension. The kimberlite is highly weathered with 1 m thick calcrete cover and
shows high degree of alteration and carbonation. A total of 100 tonnes of weathered kimberlite were collected from a
IC
trench measuring 12 x 4 x 3.5 m. Processing of a few samples did not reveal diamond but kimberlite indicator minerals
G
like pyrope garnet, picro-ilmenite, chrome-diopside and chrome-spinel were recovered from jig concentrations.
LO
TK- 4 (Diamondiferous)
EO
The pipes TK-4 from the Timmasamudram Cluster is located on the left bank of Penner River at about 1.5 km WSW
G
of Timmasamudram village.The pipe TK-4 is a crescent shaped /linear body measuring 14 m x 6 m in dimension and is
highly weathered kimberlite with 1 m thick calcrete cover. It is emplaced in TTG granitoids, rich in amphibolite enclavial
bands along an ENE-WSW parallel fracture. No outcrop is seen and is capped by 1 m thick soil cover mixed with
scattered boulders of kimberlite. Test drilling of one borehole indicated that the pipe is continuing beyond 27 m depth
with reduced thickness of 3 m. The body is inclined with 75° towards SW. The pipe shows two distinct pulses, one coarse-
grained and the other very fine-grained. A total of 356 cu m of pitting was carried out from a trench measuring 14 mx6
mx4 m in dimension to collect 228 tonnes of kimberlite samples including the calcrete. Samples show significantly very
high incidence of diamonds yielding a total 509 diamonds, out of which, 489 are of gem variety. They exhibit distorted
or modified forms. The weight of the diamond ranges from a few cents to 4.5 carat. Besides diamond, the kimberlite
pipe yielded a rich crop of pyrope garnet, picro-ilmenite, chrome-spinel and chrome-diopside in the order of their
abundance.
101
Table 3.10 : Details of bulk sample processing

S. Particulars of Excavation Quantity Quantity Details of heavy minerals
No. kimberlite (cu m) transported processed recovered
to plant site (tonnes)
(tonnes)
1. TK-1 126 120 60 Ilmenite (major), chrome-dio-pside (few),

pyrope & almandine garnets (few), spinel
(few) and magnetite (mostly in + 1.25 mm size
fraction)
2. TK-2 126 120 101 Ilmenite (major), chrome- dio-pside (few),
pyrope & almandine garnets (few), spinel
(few) and magnetite (mostly in + 1.25 mm size
IA
fraction)
D
3. TK-3 168 100 100 Pyrope garnet, picro-ilmenite, chrome-diopside
IN
and chrome-spinel
4. TK-4 356 356 228 Pyrope garnets, reddish and orange garnets,
F
O
ilmenite, spinels and magnetite 509 diamonds
recovered.
Y
VE
TK-5 (Not tested)

R
Location : 14031’17”N : 77017’15”E; T.S. No.57 F/6

SU
2.5 km WSW of Timmasamudram village

AL
Shape/Trend : Spatula and linear dyke like body

IC
Dimension : 63 m x 25 m and 70 m x 22 m
G
Nature of
LO
Emplacement : Emplaced in TTG granitoids rich in amphibolite enclavial bands along an ENE-WSW parallel
fracture.
EO
Nature of
Outcrop : No outcrops - capped by 1.5 m thick soil cover mixed with pelletal calcrete followed by weathered
G
kimberlite.
TK- 6 Timmasamudram Kimberlite (Not tested)
Location : 2.5 km WSW of Timmasamudram village
Shape/Trend : Sole shaped body
Nature of
Emplacement : Emplaced in TTG granitoids rich in amphibolite enclavial bands along an ENE-WSW parallel
fracture
Nature of
Outcrop : No outcrops - capped by 1 m thick soil cover mixed with scattered boulders of kimberlite.
102
Dossier on Diamond
Pipe-wise diamond recovery from kimberlites of South Indian shield

I. Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field
A. Wajrakarur-Lattavaram Cluster
Pipe No. Dimensions Area in Material Diamond recovery Diamond incidence

(m) Hectares Processed (No/wt.ct.) (ct/100 tonnes)
(tonnes)
P - 01 1080 x 180 19 13780 384/80.88 0.56

P - 02 380 x 70 2.1 788 Nil Nil
580 x 160
IA
Extension 500 x 120 15 278 3/3.94 1.56
D
P - 03 120 x 40 0.48 907 12/2.55 0.28
IN
P - 04 265 x 130 3.45 2400 30/6.02 0.25
F
P - 05 240 x 45 1 482 Nil Nil
O
P - 06 260 x 240 6 8471 371/56.81 0.67
P - 07 900 x 25 1.8 1515
Y 1142/119.52 7.89
VE
1221 Overburden 44.49
R
2838/543.26
SU
P - 08 110 x 25 0.50 1773 40/5.95 0.33

P - 09 37 x 21 0.07 229 4/1.17 0.55
AL
P - 10 1200 x 1000 63 1434 48/14.71 1.00

IC
B. Chigicherla Cluster
G
CC-1 315 x 185 5.8 436 5/1.31 0.30

LO
CC-2 200 x 175 3.5 302 2/1.05 0.35

EO
CC-3 70 x 15 0.1 ‑ ‑ ‑
CC-4 120 x 105 1.3 88 15/2.17 3.55
G
CC-5 220 x 70 1.5 143 6/1.38 1.28

C. Kalyandurg Cluster
KL-1 440 x 240 8.7 273 2/0.22 ‑
KL-2 80 x 80 1.0 One micro diamond ‑
KL-3 380 x 130 11.0 Nil ‑
D. Timmasamudram Cluster
TK-1 50 x 30 ‑ 120 Nil ‑
TK-2 50 x 40 ‑ 126 Nil ‑
TK-3 50 x 30 ‑ 100 Nil ‑
TK-4 14 x 6 ‑ 228 509 65cpht
103
Maddur-Narayanpet Kimberlite Field (NKF)

The Narayanpet Kimberlite Field (NKF) is located about 150 km southwest of Hyderabad and 200 km north of the
WKF (Plate-10). It measures 60 x 40 km in extent, covering western parts of Mahboobnagar district in Andhra Pradesh,
extending into eastern parts of Gulbarga district in Karnataka. This field is located in the northern and eastern Dharwar
block. It exposes migmatitic gneisses and granitoids of the Peninsular Gneissic Complex, and the metamorphosed volcano-
sedimentary sequence constituting the northwestern extensions of the Gadwal Schist Belt. In Maddur-Kotakonda area
which forms the eastern part of this field, massive granitoids are the dominant rock type compared to schistose and
gneissic rocks which dominate in the western part, west of Narayanpet. Apart from this basic difference in lithology, the
field is characterised by two main fracture domains: an E-W trending strike slip fault set with associated NE-SW trending
fractures west of Narayernpet. The Maddur and Kotakonda clusters are associated with major E-W strike slip faults and
their resultant splays due to the reactivation along this vector.
All the known kimberlites of the NKF are emplaced into migmatitic gneisses and granitoids and are located either along
IA
the E-W trending faults or at their intersection with the NNW-SSE trending or NE-SW trending fractures (Rao et al.
D
1998). There are 34 pipes in the NKF in four clusters, which are Narayanpet (ten pipes : NK1 to NK10), Maddur (eleven
IN
pipes : MK1 to MK11), Bhima (six pipes; BK1 to BK6) and Kotakonda (seven pipes KK1 to KK7). Out of above-
mentioned 34 kimberlites, four bodies of Narayanpet Cluster (NK-7 to NK-10) and all the bodies of Bhima cluster (BK-1
F
O
to BK-6) are located in Gulbarga district of Karnataka and the rests are in Andhra Pradesh. Incidences of diamond have
not yet been reported from these bodies.
Y
VE
About 29 pipes were reported by De Beers India Ltd in the Wadagere area of Raichur district of Karnataka (Plate-10A).
These kimberlites form the western extension of the NKF. Of the 29 bodies, 16 are in Gurmatkal- Yadgir area and 12 in
R
Wadagere area between the confluences of the Bhima and Krishna rivers. It is significant to note that 17 discoveries were
SU
made by applying the De Beers Hyperspectral scanners. Surface samples from the Wadagere kimberlite area are reported
to contain diamonds. However, bulk sample testing of 13 kimberlite bodies from Maddur-Narayanpet-Gurmatkal area by
AL
GSI, did not yield any diamonds.

IC
A. Narayanpet Cluster
G
UNFC G-4 stage investigation has been carried out in the area
LO
Pipe NK – 1 (Narayanpet Kimberlite)

EO
Location : 2 km north of Narayanpet (16045’ N: 77030’E); Top Sheet. no. 56H/9

G
Dimension : Not known
Trend : Not noticeable
Kimberlite is emplaced within the tonalite-trondjemite (TT) gneisses along NNW – SSE trending fractures. In the road
cutting the kimberlite is noticed as an unaltered hard, steel grey, inequigranular, porphyritic kimberlite boulders floating in
a highly weathered and altered carbonated ‘yellow ground’.
Pipe NK – 2 (Perapalli Kimberlite)
Location : 2 km west of Perapalli & 1 km east of NK-1 (16045’ : 77031”) 56H/9
Trend : N 20°W – S 200E.
104
Dossier on Diamond
The outcrops stretch over a length of 50m with an average width of 20m. Kimberlite is emplaced within the tonalite-
trondjemite (TT) gneisses along NNW – SSE trending fractures. Outcrop of unaltered steel grey hard porphyritic
inequigranular kimberlite is found in a flat terrain. Calcrete is seen about 200 m to the NW extension of the outcrop
indicating presence of subsurface yellow ground.
Pipe NK -3 (Mudalabid Kimberlite)
Location : 1.5 km east of Mudalabid (16048’ N: 77029’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/5
Trend : Not known
Kimberlite is emplaced within the tonalite-trondjemite (TT) gneisses and Tonalite- Granodiorite-Adamallite (TGA) rocks
along NW-SE trending faults. Exposed in a well section and is highly weathered with a number of crustal and mantle
IA
xenoliths, chrome-diopside, phlogopite mica flakes, olivines (fresh & altered ) are noticed in hand specimen.
D
IN
Pipe NK – 4 (Damaragidda Kimberlite)
F
Location : 1.5 km southwest of Damaragidda (16049’ N : 77030’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/5
O
Dimension : Not known Y
VE
Trend : N200W – S200E
R
SU
along NW-SE trending faults. Exposed in a well section, highly weathered, yellowish in colour with pseudomorphs of
olivine noticed in hand specimen.
AL
Pipe NK – 5 (Sajanapur East Kimberlite)

IC
Location : 1 km east of Sajanapur (16049’ N: 77028’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/5

G
LO
Dimension : 1m x 1m
EO
Trend : Not known

G
along NW-SE trending faults. The rock is dark in colour, hard, compact with phenocryrts of olivine and ilmenite.
Pipe - NK – 6 (Sajanpur ENE Kimberlite)
Location : 2 km ENV of Sajanpur (16049’ N: 77028’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/5
Trend : N40 o W – S40 o E
along NW-SE trending faults. It is exposed in a well section with a width of 50 cm. Phenocryrts of olivine and phlogopite
are present.
105
B. Maddur Cluster
Location : Maddur, Mahaboobnagar district. Lat: 16046’-16051’;N Long. :77038’-77042’E); Topsheet no. : 56 H/9
Extent : Kimberlites occur in about 10 km x 2 km area between Maddur in the north and Kotakonda in the
south.
Access : Located about 40 km due NW of Mahaboobnagar and approachable by metalled and fair weather
roads.
The investigation in Maddur Cluster involved work component of Reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.
Geological set up: The kimberlites are found emplaced into the Peninsular Gneissic Complex comprising biotite granite,
pink granite and migmatites. The bodies are mainly found at an elevation of 480-500 m above MSL. The rocks generally
contain olivine, serpentine, perovskite, monticillite carbonate, etc. and show high values of TiO2 Kimberlite indicators
are rare.
IA
D
Pipe MK – 1 (Appireddipalli)
IN
Location : 5 km SE of Maddur (16052’ N: 77037’ E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
F
O
Trend : N45 o W – S45 o E. Y
VE
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorite close to the intersections of faults trending NW – SE and E-W. A few outcrops
of unaltered, steel grey kimberlite occurs in a flat terrain.
R
SU
Pipe MK – 2 (Maddur-SE-Kimberlite)
Location : 4 km SE of Maddur (16052’ N: 77037’ E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
AL
Dimension : 120 m X 33 m
IC
Trend : E-W
G
LO
Kimberlite is emplaced within granodiorite and falls on E-10 fault. It is observed over moderate to high ground with good
capping of kimberlitic calcrete.
EO
Pipe – MK-3 (Maddur SE Kimberlite)

G
Location : 4 km SE of Maddur and 100 m north of MK-2 (16052’ N: 77035’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Kimberlite is emplaced within granodiorite and falls on E-10 fault. It is observed over moderate to high ground with good
capping of kimberlitic calcrete.
Pipe – MK – 4 (Maddur Tanda Kimberlite)
Location : 1.5 km NW of MK-1 and 3.5 km SE of Maddur (16052’ N: 77037’ E) Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Trend : E – W
106
Dossier on Diamond
Kimberlite is emplaced into weathered biotite granite close to the intersection of NW-SE and E-W faults. No outcrop or
calcrete is exposed. Concealed body is exposed in well section but on surface altered yellow ground is seen.
Pipe MK – 5 (Pidiripahad Kimberlite)
Location : 2 km NE of Pidiripahad ( 16050’ N: 77035’ E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Dimension : Dyke
Trend : N 800W – S800E, dipping towards south.
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorites and falls very close to the intersection of NNE-SSW and E-W faults. It is
observed over moderate high ground, linear dyke body with good exposures.
Pipe MK – 6 (Nidijinta Kimberlite)
IA
Location : 2 km west of Nidijinta and 500 m east of MK-2 & MK-3. (16050’N: 77040’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
D
Dimension : Dyke
IN
Trend : N300E – S300W
F
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorites and located at the intersections of faults trending NW-SE and E-W. No
O
exposure is observed in stream bed. It is exposed in well sections as weathered, altered, carbonated, micaceous rock
(yellow ground). Y
VE
Pipe MK – 7 (Duppatgottu Kimberlite)
R
Location : 500m north of Duppatgottu (16049’: 77041’); Topsheet no. : 56H/9

SU
Dimension : Dyke
AL
Trend : N75°E – S 75°W

IC
Kimberlite is emplaced into biotite granite and located at the intersection of N-S and NW –SE faults. No outcrops or no
G
calcrete is exposed. Concealed weathered body is exposed in a well section as altered yellow ground, fracture controlled
LO
emplacement.
Pipe MK – 8 (Kazipur Kimberlite)
EO
Location : 1 km SSE of Kazipur (16052’N: 77035’E), Topsheet no. : 56H/9.

G

Trend : Not known
Kimberlite is emplaced into biotite granite and located between two NE-SW trending faults. It is exposed in a well section
with crustal xenoliths of pink granite. Phenocrysts of olivine and phlogopite mica are noticed. Panned concentrates
contain chrome -diopside and ilmenite.
Pipe MK – 9 (Monapuram Kimberlite)
Location : 1.5 km east of Monapuram (16050’N: 77037’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Trend : Not known
107
Kimberlite is emplaced into biotite granite and located close to the intersections of faults trending ENE-WSW and NNW-
SSE directions. Weathered rock is exposed in a well section. Phenocrysts of altered olivine is present. Heavy concentrates
contain a few grains of garnet, chrome- diopside and zircon.
Pipe MK – 10 (Gokapasalwad Kimberlite)
Location : 3 km SSE of Chellapur and 3.8 km ESE of Gokapasalwad (16058’:N 77034’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Trend : Not known
Kimberlite is emplaced into biotite granite and located on the NW-SE trending fault. It is exposed in a well section. Crustal
and mantle xenoliths are noticed. Chrome -diopside, phlogopite, ilmenite and olivine are noticed in a hand specimen.
IA
Pipe MK – 11 (Kamusanipalli Kimberlite)
D
Location : 1.5 Km ESE of Kamusanipalli Kimberlite 1.5 km ESE of Kamusanipalli (16047’ N: 77035’E);
IN
Topsheet no. : 56H/9
F
O
Trend : Not known Y
VE
Kimberlite is emplaced into biotite granite and located close to the NE – SW veering ENE – WSW fault responsible for
R
MK – 7 & 9 emplacement also. No outcrops is observed. It is represented as weathered yellowish brown rock.
SU
C. Kotakonda Cluster
AL
UNFC G-4 stage investigation has been carried out in the area.
IC
Pipe KK-1 (Kotakonda Kimberlite)

G
Location : 15 km N 700E of Kotakonda (16046’ N: 77039’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9

LO
Dimension : 2 km in length with an average width of 50m.

EO
Trend : NE – SW trending dyke veering to ENE-WSW.

G
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorite along a NE-SW to ENE-WSW veering fracture. Good outcrops of hard steel
grey kimberlite with yellow ground capped by laterite are present.
Pipe KK – 2 (Vinjamur Kimberlite)
Location : 1.5km WNW of Vinjamur (16045’ N: 77038’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Dimension : Extension of KK – 1
Trend : E – W
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorite along two sets of fractures trending in NE-SW to ENE – WSW direction.
Outcrop or calcretes are absent. Highly weathered altered, yellowrish green kimberlite with occasional steel grey hard
kimberlite fragments are present.
108
Dossier on Diamond
Pipe KK – 3 (Abhangapur Kimberlite)
Location : 1.5km east of Abhangapur (16046’N: 77043’E) Topsheet no. : 56H/9
Trend : ENE – WSW
Kimberlite is emplaced into the granodiorite close to the intersection of faults trending in NNW-SSE and NW-SE direction.
It occurs as E-W trending dyke like body exposed in well section.It is highly weathered, altered to yellow ground.
Pipe KK-4 (Ramannapalle Kimberlite)
Location : 2 Km NW of Vinjamur (16047’ N: 77042’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
IA
Trend : ENE – WSW
D
IN
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorite along ENE – WSW trending fractures. The pipe is exposed in an abandoned well
section.It is highly weathered and altered yellow ground.
F
O
Pipe KK -5 (Bommanpahad Kimberlite)
Location Y
: 1.5 km southwest of Bommanpahad (16046’ N: 770 36’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9
VE
R
Trend : Not known

SU
Kimberlite is emplaced into the granodiorite along a NE-SW trending fracture. Kimberlite is highly weathered, yellowish
AL
in colour with altered olivine phenocrysts and phlogopite. The body is exposed in a well section having a 4m overburden.
A few picro-ilmenites are noticed in the heavy mineral concentrate.
IC
Pipe KK – 6 (Ammireddipalle Kimberlite)

G
LO
Location : 0.5 km east of Ammireddipalle (16045’ N: 77035’E); Topsheet no. : 56H/9

EO
Dimension : 20 m x 10 – 12 m
Trend : WNW – ESE

G
Kimberlite is emplaced into the granodiorites close to the TT Gneiss – TGA contact along NW – SE trending fracture.
Hard, dark green coloured rocks, extremely fine grained, inequigranular in texture with small laths/macrocrysts with
crustal xenoliths.
Pipe KK – 7 ( Kamusanpalle Kimberlite)
Location : 2 km SSW of Kamusanpalle village
Dimension : 80m x 20m
Trend : ENE- WSW
Kimberlite is emplaced into granodiorite at the intersection zone of two lineaments trendingg ENE – WSW & NW –SE
direction. No outcrops or calcrete capping is noticed. Kimberlite is concealed by 1 m thick soil cover.
109
Tungabhadra Kimberlite Field

A. Siddampalle Kimberlite Cluster
During 2001-02 three new kimberlite bodies were discovered near Siddampalle village (SK-1, SK-2, SK-3) in Gadwal
district, Andhra Pradesh. The first body (SK-1) measuring 100 mx65 m is located about 2 km N25 o E of Siddampalle
village and SK-2 measuring 110 m x 50m is located about 1.5 km N10oW of Mallapuram Tanda. The third body (SK-3)
measuring 26 m x 14 m is exposed in a well section. SK-1 & SK-3 are mainly ‘hardebank’ variety while SK-2 is a concealed
body with calcrete cover.
SK-1 Kimberlite Pipe
Test pitting in the area surrounding the outcrops of kimberlite (hardebank) has brought to light the true dimension of
the SK-1 pipe as 100 m x 65 m. Emplaced within pink younger granitoid, it is almost oval in surface configuration. It is
IA
a melanocratic (dark grey), inequigranular, psuedoporphyritic kimberlite with mantle macrocrysts of olivine, pyroxene,
D
phlogopite and picroilmenite, well-rounded autoliths (cognate), and angular to subangular crustal granitoid xenoliths set
IN
in an aphanitic groundmass rich in microphenocrystal olivine. The crustal granitoid xenoliths measure up to 15 cm x 15
cm size. The rock is criss-crossed with a number of thin veins of carbonate and serpentine (secondary). It contains picro-
F
O
ilmenite, magnesio-chrome spinel, chrome-diopside and pyrope garnet in that order of abundance. The macrocrystal
olivine is highly serpentinised and chloritised, and shows carbonate rims. Microphenocrysts of olivine range in size form
Y
0.102 – 2 mm. The cryptocrystalline groundmass consists mainly of serpentine, carbonate, euhedral perovskite and
VE
poikilitic phlogopite.
R

SU
The SK-2 kimberlite pipe is totally concealed under thick soil cover for a few highly weathered tiny outcrops on the banks
AL
of a small shallow stream. Test pitting in the area surrounding these kimberlite outcrops brought to light its oval surface
configuration with the dimensions of 110 m x 50 m. It shows a satellite concealed under a calcrete cover. In appearance,
IC
texture and mineralogy, it is akin to SK-1 kimberlite pipe. It contains crustal granitoid xenoliths measuring up to 10 cm
G
size.
LO

EO
Except the hardebank variety of this kimberlite exposed in irrigation well, there are no surface exposures in the vicinity.
G
Occupying the NNW-SSE trending fracture in the younger pink granitoid, the pipe assumed a oval surface configuration
measuring 14 m x 26 m, It shows similar appearance, texture and mineralogy as the other two pipes. It too carries
typical mantle derived minerals like picro-ilmenite, magnesio-chrome spinel, chrome-diopside, pyrope garnet in order of
abundance.
About 110 tonnes of hardebank and soft weathered kimberlite samples, collected from SK-1 and SK-2 pipes, were treated
in the Diamond Processing Plant at Wajrakarur for testing their diamondiferous nature. However, these samples did not
yield any diamond, indicating the non-diamondiferous nature of these pipes. The investigation in Siddampalle cluster
involved work component of UNFC G-4 stage.
B. Chagapuram Kimberlite Cluster

During the period between FS 2006-07 and 2007-08 detailed search for kimbelite in Chagapuram sub-block, Mahaboobnagar
and Kurnool districts, reoulted in discovery of four new kimberlite pipes.
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Dossier on Diamond
CGK-1 to CGK-4 Kimberlite Pipe

Location : CGK-1 and 2 is located close to Chagapuram village. CGK-3 is located about 2.5 km SE of Maldakal.
CGK-4 kimberlite is located about 1km NW of Penchukalapadu.
Coordinates : Lat.N15052’00”- N16015’00”; Long. E770 38’00”-780 00’30”; Topsheet no. : 57E/13 and 56H/12 and
H/16.
Dimension
of pipe/body : CGK-1: 220 mx140 m, CGK-2: 160 m x70 m, CGK-3: 650 m x 200 m and CGK-4: 160 m x70 m.
Exploration : The exploration carried out involved mapping and sampling. Three bore holes were dug into CGK-1
up to depth of 62.45 m, 87.55 m and 158.00 m respectively. The work component of exploration is in
conformity with Reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.
The CGK-1 body is located 2.5 km SW of Chagapuram village (16000’50”;N 77049’57”E, Topsheet no. : 56H/16)
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measures ~ 250m x 200m, with longer axis trending in NE-SW direction. It is exposed in a well section with ~6 m calcrete
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capping.The kimberlite is highly weathered, friable pale green to dirty grey in colour. The kimberlite exhibits characters of
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pyroclastic facies. The kimberlite in hand sample exhibits both pyroclastic tuffaceous and pyroclastic kimberlite breccia
texture. The megacrystal olivine measures up to 3 cm and is highly serpentinised. The macrocrystal and microcrystal
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olivine are iddingsitised and carbonated. The olivine is seen floating in serpentine, carbonate and clayey matrix, with
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occasional xenocrystal ilmenites are seen.The CGK-2 body is located 1.5 km SW of Chagapuram village (16001’18”N;
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77050’11”E, Topsheet no. : 56H/16) and measures~ 150 mX100 m, with longer axis trending in NE-SW direction. The
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body is concealed under a thick soil mixed with calcrete capping. The calcrete persists even up to 3 m as seen in the
excavation pit. The kimberlite is highly weathered/serpentinised and carbonated and is discernable only by its ghost
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textures preserved after extensive alteration. Detailed ground geological studies were carried out in about 120 sq km area
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and 150 nos stream sediment and loam samples were collected in the block. Large scale mapping was also carried out for
20 sq km area to identify additional kimberlites in the Chagapuram Sub- block. Based on the intensive field studies, two
kimberlites (CGK-3 & CGK-4) were discovered. CGK-3 is located about 2.5 km SE of Maldakal (Topsheet no. : 56H/12).
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The dimensions of the kimberlite based on the surface manifestation is about 650 m x 200 m with NW – SE longer axis,
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while CGK-4 kimberlite is located about 1 km NW of Penchukalapadu (Topsheet no. : 56H/12). The dimensions of the
kimberlite are about 150 m x 100 m. Both CGK-3 and CGK-4 bodies have intruded into Peninsular Gneissic Complex
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(PGC) at the contact with Gadwal Schist Belt (GSB). Both the bodies intrude into a NW-SE trending major shear zone
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defining the western contact of GSB with PGC.

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The heavy minerals recovered from the pipes are picro-ilmenite, chrome-spinel, chrome-pyrope and chrome -diopside in
the order of decreasing abundance.
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A cumulative of 308.00 m of drilling has been achieved in CGK-1 pipe. Drill core material indicates that the body is a
classical pyroclastic kimberlite made up of a mixture of carbonate, serpentine and clayey material. Processing of 165 tonnes
of bulk sample material from CGK-1 & CGK-2 pipes yielded no diamonds.
C. Mantralayam Kimberlite Cluster

MNK-1 KImberlite pipe
Location : SE of Mantralayam near Gangavaram
Coordinates : N15055’19”: E770 29’18” Toposheet no. : 56E/5.
Dimension : 300 m x 600 m (approx). Indicator minerals like garnet, ilmenite, chrome spinel and chrome diopside
were obtained.
Exoploration : The exploration involves mapping and samling.
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Kimberlite pipe MNK-2

Location : Nadigadda Malkapur
Coordinates : 15˚57’09”N: 77˚27’00”E; T.S. No. 57E/5
Dimension : 350 m x 470 m surface dimension
This kimberlite is located about 500 m west of Nadigaddamalkapur (toposheet No.57E/5) on the north bank of
Tungabhadra River near Mantralayam. The body is elliptical in surface outline measuring 470 m x 350 m with the longer
axis trending NW-SE. It is emplaced along a WNW – ESE trending major lineament marking the contact between the
Raichur Schist belt and PGC – II. The body is highly altered. After 150 tonnes of bulk sample processing, one gem quality
diamond of 0.33carat was recovered from the jig concentrate.
Kimberlite pipe MNK-3 to MNK-6
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Location : MNK-3: 1.75km ENE of Kottala village, MNK-4: 0.5 km NE of Kottala village, Besides, two
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suspected kimberlites are MNK-5: 2km ESE of Chilakaladona village and MNK-6: 1km East of
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Boduru village.
Coordinates : MKP-3 : N15054’26”: E770 29’11”
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O
MKP-4 : N15054’14”: E770 28’36”
MKP-5 : N15051’38”: E770 27’02”
Y
VE
MKP-6 : N15052’28”: E770 22’36”

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Dimension
of pipes : MNK-3:60 mx10 m, MNK-4: 20 mx 10 m, MNK-5: 100 mx 10 m, MNK-6: 10 mx12 m x18 m.
Indicator minerals like garnet, ilmenite, chrome-spinel and chrome-diopside were obtained.
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Exploration : The exploration involved mapping and sampling. The exploration in Mantralayam area is categorized
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as G-4 stage of UNFC.

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Lamproite
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Lamproite rocks have been identified in three areas of Andhra Pradesh, by extensive investigations carried out by Geological
EO
Survey of India. The known Krishna Lamproite Field is emplaced along the eastern margin of the Precambrian Dharwar
Craton, at the contact between the north-eastern periphery of the Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin and the Archaean crystalline
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basement rocks. In constrast to the above occurrences, the Nallamalai lamproite occurrence, viz. Chelima area, Kurnool
district and Zangamrajupalle area (south of Chelima at a distance of 80 km) in Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh.
are with in the Cuddapah Basin, emplaced into the Meso-Proterozoic Cumbum shale, slate and phyllite sediments of
Nallamalai Group. Recently De Beers Company located a number of lamproite dykes resembling the other lamproites of
Andhra Pradesh in field setting and petrology near Banaganapalli and Aliabad in Kurnool district. They intrude into the
Meso-Proterozoic Tadapatri Formation of Lower Cuddapah Supergroup.
Lamproites are distributed in the form of dykes within the Nallamalai Fold Belt in the eastern part of the Cuddapah
Basin. These dykes previously have been referred to as minette, kimberlite and/or carbonatite (review by Scott Smith,
1989). However, the absence of clinopyroxene precludes these rocks from being minnette and the mineral chemistry of
the phlogopite is consistent with their classification as lamproite. The lamproites are of hypabyssal facies, in which olivine
is completely altered and replaced by ferroan dolomite and rarer serpentine. The Krishna Lamproite Field occurs near the
northeastern margin of the Cuddapah Basin and comprises over 30 exposed lamproite bodies intruding gneiss-granitoid
rocks of the Peninsular Gneissic Complex. Important occurrences are around Ramannapeta, Vedadri and Tirumalagiri
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located close to the alluvial workings on the banks of the Krishna river that produced many famous diamonds in the
past including the Kohinoor. The lamproite intrusions are in the form of dykes and plugs, and include such petrographic
variants as diopside lamproite, phlogopite lamproite and olivine lamproite.
Ramadugu Lamproites occur as NW-SE trending thin dykes near Ramadugu and Somavarigudem villages in Nalgonda
district, Andhra Pradesh. Eleven of them occur in about 26 sq km area on the right bank of the Halia River in the close
vicinity of Ramadugu village and three of them in about 3 sq km area near Somavarigudem village. Since this is a new
field of lamproites situated at about 100 km west of the known Jaggayyapeta Lamproite Field (Reddy et al, 2003), it is
christened as Ramadugu Lamproite Field (RLF). The lamproites of RLF are very fine grained, yellowish green to greenish
grey, dense, hard and compact. They show faint NW-SE trending foliation, which is parallel to the trends of dykes near
Ramadugu. They consist of well rounded macrocrysts of olivine (carbonated and serpentinised) and phenocrysts of
pyroxene and amphibole (chloritised and carbonated) set in a fine groundmass rich in carbonate, serpentine, phlogopite
and perovskite. Some of these dykes show olivine macrocrysts altered to reddish brown iddingsite, possibly indicating
their fayalitic nature. Some of the dykes are rich in phlogopite, both as macrocrysts and groundmass.
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Chelima-Zangamrajupalle Area (Nallamalai Fold Belt)
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Geographic data
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Table 3.12
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Extent : Y
The kimberlites occur in two areas, viz., Chelima 15026’:N 78042’ E; 571/11) – Pachcherla area and
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Zangamrajupalle (14046’: 78053’; Topsheet no. J/13 area, separated by a distance of 75 km; Prakasam
district.
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Access : The area is located in a thickly forested terrain of the Nallamalai hill range – Chelima is accessible by
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Nandyal – Giddalur state Highway and Guntur-Guntakal railway line.
The investigation in Chelima-Zangamrajupalle area involved work component of Reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.
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Geological set up : Kimberlite dykes intruding the rocks of the Cumbum Formation of the Cuddapah Supergroup are
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recorded in Chelima – Pachcherla area and in the boreholes drilled in Zangamrajupalle area in the Cuddapah Basin. The
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dykes indicate an age of 1200 to 1340 Ma, occurring close to eastern margin of the Dharwar Craton.
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The dykes have high content of phlogopite, calcite, TiO2 and P2O5 and are enriched in REE content. Based on the mineral
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and chemical characters, the dykes are classified as lamproites. A number of old workings occur in Chelima dyke areas
along three long rows in WNW-ESE to NW-SE direction.
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Jaggayyapeta (Krishna) Lamproite Field (JLF/KLF)

The JLF or KLF falls north of the Krishna River, along the eastern margin of Dharwar Craton (DC) in Krishna and
Nalgonda districts. It exposes granites and gneisses of the PGC intruded by mafic dyke swarms with trend swerving
between WNW-ESE and ENE-WSW. The investigation in Jaggayyapeta (Krishna) Lamproite Field involved work
component of Reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.
The JLF/KLF is spread over an area of about 160 sq km and comprises 25 lamproite bodies located just outside the
peripheral parts of the north-eastern horn of Cuddapah Basin. The lamproites occur as 0.5 m – 5 m dykes, mostly
as clusters and run for lengths of about 1m to 400 m in close association with dolerite dykes mostly emplaced along
the contacts between granite gneiss and dolerite dykes. The bodies occur as clusters around nine localities viz. (i)
Ramannapeta, (ii) Vedadri, (iii) Pochampalli, (iv) Gopinenipalem, (v) Tirumalagiri, (vi) Anumanchipalli, (vii) Palleru, (viii)
Nallabandagudem and (ix) Reddlakunta in addition to a lamproite vent, measuring 20 m x 25 m, as the eastern flank of
the hill near Vedadri.
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Of the fourteen lamproite dykes of Ramadugu Lamproite Field (RLF), discovered recently in the biotite granite country
of Peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC) in the Halia River drainage basin in Mondale’s district, two (R-4 and S-1) were
bulk sampled by exploratory pitting. The R-4 lamproite dyke is located at about 1.7 km WSW of Ramadugu and the
S-I lamproite dyke at about 0.8 km SSW of Somavarigudem (Topshteet no. : 56 P/5). These lamproite dykes, which
are concealed under 0.5-1 m thick soil cover, but for tiny peeping outcrops and scattered boulders were found to have
around 5-10 m thickness during the course of exploratory pitting. As observed through 3-4 m deep exploratory pits, these
lamproites are hard dense and compact rocks with a very low degree of weathering. They consist essentially of heavily
serpentinised and carbonated macrocrysts and microphenocrysts of olivine, pyroxene, phlogopite (tetra-ferri), leucite and
sanidine set in aphinitic groundmass rich in phlogopite, perovskite, chlorite, serpentine and carbonate.
A. Ramannapeta Lamproite Cluster

Location : Located 2 km south west and east of Ramannapeta village (16044’45”N; 0009’30’’E:
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Topsheet no. : 65D/2 )
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Dimension : Ranges from 0.5m to 1.5m thickness with lengths up to 200m.
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Trend : NW-SE to N 20 o W - S 20 o E
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Lamproite is emplaced into granitoids fringing Cuddapah Basin along intersection of NW-SE and NNW-SSE trending
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fracture/basic dyke intimately associated with basic dyke of NNW-SSE trend. It occurs in the form of detached,
melanocratic dyke bodies. The bodies are weathered on the surface with prominent chilled margins.All the bodies of the
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cluster are diopside lamproite.

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B. Vedadri Lamproite Cluster

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Location : Located 3 km NW of Vedadri temple hill (16043’30” N : 80007’30”E, Topsheet no. : 65D/1)
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Dimension : Ranges from 0.5 m to 15 m for dykelets, 20 m x 20 m for vent facies.

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Trend : N 50 o W – S 50 o E
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Lamroite is emplaced into granitoids fringing Cuddapah Basin along the intersection zone of NW-SE fracture/basic
dyke system. It occurs in the form of dykelets and volcanic plug. The dykelets are of two variants, i.e. diopside lamproite
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and olivine lamproite, while the volcanic plug is in the form of fragmental intrusive breccia with xenolithic material of
indurated granite and quartzite.
C. Pochampalli Lamproite Cluster

Location : Located 3 km west of Pochampalli village (16050’00” N: 80010’00”E ; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1)
Dimension : Ranges in width from 1m to 2 m and strike length up to 200m.
Trend : N 50 o W – S 50 o E, N 80 o E – S 80 o W
Lamproite is emplaced into granitoids rimming Cuddapah Basin along two directions NW-SE and ENE-WSW. It occurs
in the form of cluster of dykelets dissecting granite hillock with two distinct petrological variants, i.e. diopside lamproite
and phlogopite lamproite with clasts of country rock xenoliths.
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Dossier on Diamond
D. Gopinenipalem Lamproite Body

Location : Located 2 km South of Gopinenipalem village (16055’ N: 80010”; E; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1)
Trend : Not known
Lamroite is emplaced in the fault zone trending N20 o W-S20 o E. No outcrops, boulders of lamproites are strewn over
the cultivated fields. This body exhibits pyroclastic textural features.
E. Tirumalagiri Lamproite Cluster

Location : Located over Tirumalagiri Temple hill (16055’ N:80008’ E; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1.
Dimension : Ranges in width from few mm to 2.5 m and has strike length up to 250 m.
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Trend : N 200W – S 200E and N 700W – S 700E
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Lamroite is emplaced into granites along fault/fracture trending N200W-S200E, N700W-S700E. It occurs in the form of
clusters of dykelets with widths of few mm to 2.5m. All the bodies of the clusters are diopside lampriote variants, with
F
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distinct hypabyssal textural features.
F. Anumanchapalli Lamproite Y
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Location : 0.75 km NW of Anumanchapalli village (16056’ N: 80004’E; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1).

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Dimension : Ranges in width from 0.5m to 1m with strike length of 200m.

Trend : N800W – S800E
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Lamproite is emplaced into granite at the contact with basic dykes. It occurs in the form of detached dykelets with the
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body exhibiting a hard and compact nature. The body is a diopside lamproite.
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G. Ramapuram Lamproite Body

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Location : Located 1 km SE of Ramapuram Cross Roads (16057’10” N: 80003’30”/E; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1).
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Dimension : Ranges in width from 0.5m to 1m with strike length of 15m.

G
Trend : N45W – S45E.

Lamroite is emplaced into granites along NW-SE fracture zone. It occurs in the form of detached dykelets close to the
Paleru riverbank. The body is hard, compact and is a diopside lamproite.
H. Nalla Bandagudem Lamproite Body

Location : Located 0.5 km SE of Nallabandagudem village (16057’20” N: 80001’50” E; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1).
Dimension : Ranges with width from 0.5m to 1m with strike length of 50m
Lamproite is emplaced into granites and cuts across a basic dyke body which trends N80W – S80E. It occurs in the form
of a dyke and displays characters typical of other diopside lamproites of the area.
115
I. Reddlakunta Lamproite Body

Location : Located 2.5 km NNE of Reddlakunta village (16055’50” N: 800 02’30”E; Topsheet no. : 65 D/1).
Dimension : Ranges in width from 1m to 5m and has a strike length of over 400 m.
Lamproite is emplaced into granite. It occurs in the form of a continuous linear dyke with altered surface. The body is
hard, compact, fine-grained diopside lamproite.
Ramadugu Lamproite Field (RLF)

A new field of lamproites situated at about 100 km west of the known Jaggayyapeta Lamproite Field (Reddy et al. 2003),
is discovered and it is christened as Ramadugu Lamproite Field (RLF). RLF consists of a total of 14 thin (0.5 – 3
IA
m thick) NW-SE trending thin dykes of lamproite that were discovered near Ramadugu and Somavarigudem villages
(Topsheet no. : 56 P/5). Eleven of them occur in about 26 sq km area on the right bank of the Halia River in the vicinity
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of Ramadugu village (16°50’25”:79°17’40”; 56 P/5) and 3 of them in about 3 sq km area near Somavarigudem village
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(16°50’25”N:79°17’40”E; Topsheet no. : 56 P/5).
F
The lamproites of RLF are very fine grained, yellowish green to greenish grey, dense, hard and compact. They show faint
O
NW-SE trending foliation, which is parallel to the trends of these dykes. They consist of well rounded macrocrysts of
Y
olivine (carbonated and serpentinised) and phenocrysts of pyroxene and amphibole (chloritised and carbonated) set in a
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fine groundmass rich in carbonate, serpentine, phlogopite and perovskite. Some of these dykes show olivine macrocrysts
altered to reddish brown iddingsite, possibly indicating their fayalitic nature. Some of the dykes are rich in phlogopite,
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both as macrocrysts and groundmass.

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Table 3.13 : Details of lamproite dykes in the Ramadugu Lamproite Field

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S No Lamproite Dimension Trend Location

1 R-1 1.5 m x 50 m N40°W-S40°E 1.2 km North of Timmapur
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2 R-2 0.5 m x 100 m N40°W- S40°E 1.5 km S 75oW of Ramadugu

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3 R-3 0.5 m x 100 m NW-SE 1.6 km WSW of Ramadugu

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4 R-4 0.8 m x 60 m N50°W-S50°E 1,7 km WSW of Ramadugu

5 R-5 0.5 m x 10 m NW-SE 1.2 km East of Yacharam
EO
6 R-6 0.5 m x 10 m NW-SE 2.25 km West of Ramadugu

7 R-7 0.5 m x 50 m N50°W-S50°E 2 km west of Ramadugu
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8 R-8 2 m x 22 m N35°W-S35°E 800m S35°W of Ramadugu

9 R-9 3 m x 200 m N45°W-S45°E 800m S30°W of Ramadugu
10 R-10 0.5 m x 30 m NW-SE 1km S25°E of Marepalli
11 R-11 1.5 m x 600 m NW-SE 2 km N10°E of Yacharam
12 S-1 Irregular outcrop — 800 m NNW of Somavarigudem
13 S-2 1 m x 80 m N50°W-S50°E 1.1km N 20° W of Somavarigudem
14 S-3 1mx3m N50°W-S50°E 1 km NNW of Somavarigudem
Recommendation: In Andhra Pradesh, diamonds and their host rocks are found over a vast area. The primary host
rocks, i.e. kimberlites and lamproites are mainly found in the gneissic terrain on the western side of the Cuddapah Basin. A
perusal of the location and distribution of the extensive diamondiferous conglomerates and gravel deposits in the Krishna
and Pennar drainage basins clearly show that the few kimberlites and lamproites so far known could not have been the only
source for the vast secondary deposits. Further it is difficult to visualize that the large diamonds such as the Great Moghul,
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Dossier on Diamond
the Orloff, the Kohinoor, etc. found in the Krishna gravels near Kolluru, Paritala, etc. to have been transported over a
distance of 300 km from the known Wajrakarur kimberlites. The paleocurrent studies of the Banganapalle sediments
indicated provenance to the southwest and northwest of the Cuddapah Basin. It is therefore, apparent that a number of
kimberlites/lamproites exists and lie undetected in the soil covered areas south, west and north of the Cuddapah Basin
and within the basin itself. The known source rocks tested so far are not of much economic significance and therefore
intensive efforts are needed to identify additional primary host rocks for diamond.
Conglomerates (Banganapalle Conglomerates)

The Neo-Proterozoic conglomerates associated with the Banganapalle Quartzite Formation occurring at the base of the
Kurnool Group is a potential source for diamond (Fig III.1). The conglomerate occurring as detached outliers is well
developed for over a length of 225 km along the western margin of the Kurnool Basin and for over 120 km along the
northern margin of the Palnadu Basin, both located in the Cuddapah Basin. Extensive old workings are found in the
conglomerates at several places prominently around Banganapalle, Wajriagiri, Munimadugu, Ramallakota, etc. all located
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in Kurnool district.
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IN
The stratigraphic sequence of the Kurnool Group of rocks is as follows :
Kurnool Group Paniam Quartzite
F
Auk Shale
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Narji Limestone
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Banganapalle Quartzite
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Lower Cuddapah Supergroup Cumbum Formation
Tadapatri Formation
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Vempalle Formation
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In the Kurnool Basin the Banganapalle outliers occur prominently between Kurnool (Topsheet no. : 57I/1) in the north
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and Tadipatri (57J/1) in the south over a length of 100 km and a width of 25 km. The area falls between the latitudes
14o30”-15o 52” and longitudes 77o 20”- 78o 48”.The Banganapalle Formation consists of sandstones and grits with
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minor conglomerates. The Formation ranges in thickness from 1- 30m. The sediments are disposed as horizontal to sub-
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horizontal beds with 3o-8o dip towards south and south east.
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Diamondiferous conglomerate occur as thin and impersistent beds at the base of the Formation.The conglomerate is
hard and compact and composed of subrounded clasts of chert, vein quartz and jasper set in siliceous/ferruginous/
EO
argillaceous material. Its thickness ranges from 1cm to 3m, average being 10cm. Apart from the basal conglomerate two
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to three conglomerate layers (thickness up to 20cm),separated by sandstone partings occur within the lower part of the
formation. The conglomerates are disposed as lenses differing in size and the clasts show a lot of variation in size ranging
generally from 2 to 64mm. Mostly disc / bladed pebbles are predominant. The heavy minerals in the conglomerate, apart
from diamond are magnetite, ilmenite, zircon, rutile, garnet, tourmaline, etc.
General Paleocurrent directions in the sandstones are mainly either towards northeast or southeast indicating a westerly
provenance for the sediments. Similarly the mixed assemblage of heavy minerals also indicates the granitic/gneissic terrain
to the west of the Cuddapah Basin as provenance. The textural characters and disposition of the conglomerate beds
indicate a low- energy beach environment with retention of fluvial characters.
The major conglomerate areas investigated in the Kurnool Basin by GSI/NMDC to assess their diamond potential are
1.Banganapalle-Nereducherla, 2. Ramallakota-Yembayi, 3. Undutkla- Tammarajupalli- Cementnagar and 4. Balapuram-
Rangapuram, all occurring in Kurnool district. The Palnadu Basin conglomerates were not explored for assessing their
extent as well as diamond potential.
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Banganapalle - Nereducherla Area

Geographic data
Area : Banganapalle - Nereducherla, Kurnool district.
Coordinates : Lat.: 15012’ -15020’; Long.: 77050’-78015’
Toposheet no. : 57 I/2 & E/16
Extent : 30 km long and 200 m to 2 km wide, between Banganapalle (15019' :
78013'; 57 I/2) in the east to Nereducherla (15012' : 77014'; 57 E/16) in the SW.
Access : Easily accessible by Banganapalle - Peapully metalled road and fair
weather roads, about 90km from Kurnool, the district headquarters
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Geological set-up: The Banganapalle Quartzite in the form of detached outliers form small plateau, viz., Banganapalle
Plateau, Rallakotturu-Lingambadi Plateau, Allahabad Plateau, Munimadugu Plateau, etc. overlying the Tadapatri Formation,
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IN
comprising essentially variegated shales and basic flows. The intervening areas between the plateaux expose older Tadpatri
rocks; The southern side of the sandstone belt is flanked continuously by the Narji Limestone whereas in the northern side
F
a few outliers of the limestone occur sporadically. The plateau areas are covered with sandy soil derived from weathering
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of the underlying sandstone.
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VE
The maximum exposed width of the formation is nearly 2 km to the west of Banganapalle and minimum (200m) in
Vajaragiri area in the central part of the belt. The thickness of the Formation varies from 1 to 30m and is more in the
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inside of the plateaux while it is less along the fringes due to erosion.
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The basal conglomerate is generally purplish-brown to yellowish - earthy brown, ranging in thickness from 1 cm to 100
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cm with an average thickness of 10 cm. Thick conglomerate layers occur locally. The conglomerate is mainly composed
of chert, jasper and vein quartz and is predominantly matrix supported. The cementing material, in general, is either
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ferruginous or siliceous.
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Exploration: Exploration to assess diamond potential of the basal conglomerate was carried out in the 30 km long and
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200 m to 2 km wide Banganapalle - Nereducherla Belt under the NDP in two phases during 1980-1987. The work was
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done by GSI in association with MECL and NMDC. For the purpose, eight blocks were selected, six in the Minimadugu-
Allahabad plateau area and two in the Banaganapalle-Rallakotturu-Lingambadi plateau area. The work included detailed
G
mapping of about 20 sq km area on 1:2,000/5,000/10,000 scales; drilling of 6019 m in 562 bore holes; excavation of
92,029 cu m of sandstone and conglomerate in 163 bulk sample pits and processing of 16,063 tonnes of conglomerates.
The work resulted in the recovery of 794 diamonds weighing about 334 ct. Besides the intermittent layers are also found
to be diamondiferous. To delineate the distribution and geometry of the conglomerate beds drilling was carried out on
grids of 100 x 100m, 200 x 200m, 500 x 500m.To draw bulk samples for processing large pits were excavated mostly along
the fringes of the plateaus. The pits depths ranged from1.1 to 6.8 m where as the pits dimensions varied depending on
the thickness of the conglomerate and overburden. The pits sizes, in general, were 10x 10 m, 20 x 10 m and 20 x 20 m. In
one block, underground samples were collected from an adit.
Of the total diamonds recovered gem quality constitutes about 76%, while the off colour and industrial, 8% and 16%
respectively. Majorities of the diamonds are <0.5 ct in size and the largest diamond recovered is 6.15 ct. A few diamonds
exhibit water worn characteristics.
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Dossier on Diamond
Table 3.14 : Diamond resources in conglomerate

S.
Block Conglomerate resource(t) Diamond resource(ct)
No.
1. Munimadugu 60,700 2000
2. Allahabad and west extension blocks 10,44,000 15,600
Allahabad. SW and SW extension
3. 3,94,000 11,400
blocks
Racherla-Munimadugu regional
4. 15,23,000 Nil
block
5. Banagapalli block 67,000 Nil
6. Rallakottur –Lingambadi block 21,37,000 26,600
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D
Though extensive oldworkings are recorded in the area, the exploration carried out in different blocks has not indicated
IN
high diamond incidence/grade for the conglomerate. The diamond incidence is highly erratic and low, though spot values
of the order of 35cpht are recorded. The average incidence in any of the blocks explored didn’t exceed 3cpht and is below
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the grade of economic viability both in shallow and high over burden areas. The conglomerate and diamond resource
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estimated for six blocks are given in table.
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Resources of conglomerate and diamond Resource of different blocks in Banganapalle – Nereducherla area is given
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below.
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A. Munimadugu block
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Detailed mapping (on 1 : 2000 scale) : 1.70 sq km

Drilling : 588.15m in 60 boreholes
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Excavation : 19,139 cu m in 32 pits

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Processing : 3917.93 tonnes

No. of diamonds/weight : 167/84,38 ct
G
Diamond incidence : 2.26 cpht

LO
Average diamond weight : 0.50 ct

Conglomerate resource : 60, 700 tonnes
EO
Diamond resource : 2,000 ct

G
Along the northern fringes of the plateau, the conglomerate is generally of a ferruginous variety, thickness varying from
5 to 20 cm, over a strike length of 280 m. An average incidence of 8.32 cpht (spot values up to 35 cpht) was recorded.
Average diamond weight from this area is 0.87 ct.
B. Allahabad West and West extension blocks
Detailed mapping (on 1 : 2000 scale) : 4,20 sq km
Drilling : 2083.5 m in 143 boreholes
Excavation : 25,803 cu m in 39 pits
No. of diamonds/weight : 221/71.24 ct
Conglomerate resource : 10,44,000 tonnes
119
The conglomerate is generally of siliceous type, thickness up to 40 cm. Spot values for diamond are up to 7 cpht.
C. Allahabad southwest and southwest extension blocks
Detailed mapping (on 1 : 2000 scale) : 4.15 sq km
(on 1 : 500 scale) : 0.16 sq km
Adit wall mapping : 240 lm
Excavation : 26,963 cum in 39 pits
No. of diamonds/weight : 298/125.90 ct
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Along the northern fringe of the plateau, the basal conglomerate is ferruginous and argillaceous at places and it ranges in
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thickness from 5 to 20 cm. An incidence of 8.23 cpht was recorded over a length of 200m (with spot values up to 27.35
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cpht)
F
D. Racherla - Munimadugu regional block
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Detailed mapping (on 1 : 10,000 scale) : 4.92 sq km Y
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Drilling : 847.50 m in 60 boreholes
Excavation : 1891 cu m in 32 pits
R

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No. of diamonds/weight : 4/0.77 ct.

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E. Banganapalle block:
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Detailed mapping (1 : 2000/5000 scale) : 0.82 Sq km

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Drilling : 477 m in 58 boreholes

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Conglomerate resource : 67,700 tonnes

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F. Rallakotturu - Llngambadi block:

G
Detailed mapping (on 1 : 5000 scale) : 4. 5 sq km

Drilling : ‑
Excavation : 18,033 cum in 21 pits
Processing : 2310.10tonnes
No of diamonds/weight : 104/51.67 ct
The conglomerate in the northern part is ferruginous to argillaceous and it gave an incidence of 7 cpht (spot high values
up to 13.46 cpht). In the southern part, the conglomerate is argillaceous and diamond incidence is low.
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Dossier on Diamond
Of the total diamonds recovered, gem quality constitutes about 76% while the off colour and industrials, 8% and 16%
respectively. Modified forms as well as octahedrons and dodecahedrons are common. . Inclusions are either black opaques
or green dots/scales. A few diamonds exhibit water worn characteristics. The largest diamond recovered is 6.15 ct and it
is a gem.
Conclusions: Though extensive oldworkings are recorded in the BanganapalleNereducherla area, the exploration carried
out in different blocks has not indicated high diamond incidence for the Banganapalle conglomerates. The diamond
incidence is very erratic and low though spot values of the order of 35 cpht are recorded. The average incidence in any
block did not exceed 3 cpht and is below the grade of economic viability both in shallow and high overburden areas.
Ramallakota-Yambai Area
Geographic data
Area : Ramallakota - Yambai, Kumool district
Coordinates : Lat.: 15o33’ - 15°35’ ; Long.: 77°59’ - 78°08’
IA
Toposheet nos. 57 I/2 & E/14
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Access : Ramallakota is about 10 km from Veldurti, located on the National Highway 7 and
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Secunderabad - Guntakal railway line.
F
Geological set up: In this area Banganapalle quartzite rests over the Vempalli Formation comprising mainly dolomitic
O
limestone. The thickness of the quartzite varies from 1 to 9 m, average being 5 m. The conglomerates associated with
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sandstone are reddish brown and greyish white type, ranging in thickness from 2 to 20 cm in Ramallakota area and 0.5 to
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1 m in Yambai area. Two to three conglomerate layers are present which are lensoid and impersistent. These are mainly
composed of pebbles of vein quartz (90 to 95%), quartzite and chert in Ramallakota area whereas in Yambai area the
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conglomerates have vein quartz as well as chert and shale.

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Exploration: The National Mineral Development Corporation limited carried out exploration during 1968-71 in the
belt extending over 15 x 2 km area, between Ramallakota in the west and Yambai in the east. 21 pits were excavated for
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drawing bulk samples. Of these, conglomerate is encountered in seven pits. The NMDC processed both conglomerate
and sandstone to test for their diamond incidence. A total quantity of 1,751 tonnes of conglomerates and sandstones
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and soils was processed to test for their diamond incidence. Though 266 diamonds weighing about 47 ct were recovered,
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the average diamond incidence recorded is les than 3cpht. But the soils derived from the conglomerates and sandstones
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indicated higher incidence up to 6 cpht.

Diamond incidence: The result of bulk sample processing (by NMDC) is as given in Table 3.15 :
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Table 3.15 : Diamond incidence in Ramallakota-Yambai area

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Quantity
Diamond Average weight of
Rock type processed Diamond incidence
recovery no/wt diamond
(tonnes)
Conglomerate 655 77/15.27 0.20 2.29
Conglomerate soil 386 124/22.49 0.18 5.80
Sandstone 580 6/1.31 0.21 0.22
Sandstone soil 240 59/8.20 0.14 3.40
GSI (1987-88) carried out large scale mapping to the west of Ramallakota in about 15 sq km area on 1:12,500 scale. The
conglomerate occurs as lensoid intercalations. A large part of the area is covered by old workings .The studies (by GSI)
on the textural characters of the conglomerate vis-à-vis the diamond incidence in the pit sample processed indicate that
well sorted conglomerates are relatively enriched in diamonds.
121
Recommendations : The erratic distribution and lensoid geometry of the conglomerate beds warrant close spaced
pitting/shallow drilling to delineate the beds as well as estimate the conglomerate resources.
Undutla-Tammarajupalle - Cementnagar Area

Geograhpic data
Area : Undutla-Tammarajupalle-Cementnagar, Kumool district.
Coordinates : Lat.: 15o30’ –15o25’; Long.: 78o10’ – 78o15’
Toposheet nos. 57 I/2, I/3 & I/6
Access : The area is about 60 km from Kurnool, the district headquarters and is well connected by
Kurnool-Nandyal highway and Guntur-Guntkal Railway line.
Geological set-up: The Banganapalle Quartzite overlies the Tadapatri Formation and basic flows whereas the Narji
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Limestone and the Paniam Quartzite occur overlying the Banganapalle Quartzite in the eastern part of the area. There
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are two major plateaux, the Undutla Plateau in the north and the Cementnagar Plateau in the south, seperated by
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Tammarajupalle valley. The plateau comprises the Banganapalle Quartzite and younger formations whereas the valley
area is occupied by the Tadapatri shales. The Banganapalle Quartzite occupies the valley area in the southeastern part of
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the Undutla Plateau owing to faulting. On the western and southern slopes of the Undutla Plateau, siliceous chert pebble
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conglomerate occurs, ranging in thickness from 0.5 to 3 m with thin sandstone partings. Vein quartz clasts are less, jasper
and quartzite are rare. Y
VE
In the Cementnagar Plateau, the thickness of the Banganapalle Formation ranges from 7 to 22.5 m, with three interbedded
conglomerate layers. Facies variation is noticed along strike. The conglomerate layers (10 cm to 2 m thick) pinch-off
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towards south. The top and bottom layers contain predominantly chert pebbles whereas the middle layer vein quartz and
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quartzite.
Exploration: To delineate feasible areas of bulk sampling of the conglomerates and to study their sedimentological
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characters, GSI, during 1988-89, examined about 100sq km falling mainly in the Ghani RF and the Paniam RF. On
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the western and southern slopes of the Undutla Plateau, the conglomerate is 0.5 to 3 m thick with low to moderate
overburden, which increases further towards east and southeast with an overlap of younger sediments. In the Cementnagar
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Plateau, three conglomerate layers ranging in thickness from 10cm to 2m occur in the lower part of the Banganpalle
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quartzite (7 to 22.5 m thick). The middle layer with old workings has a maximum thickness up to 2m .The outliers around
Gorumanukonda and Bugganipalle are 2 to 10 m thick with thin conglomerate layers (5 to 20 cm thick). The area is
EO
extensively worked by the ancients as evidenced by innumerable old workings.

G
The investigation involved work component of UNFC G-4 stage.

Area examined : 100 sq km
Section measurement : 110 lm
Sedimentological studies : 30 samples.
On the western and southern slopes of the Undutla Plateau, the conglomerate is 0.5 to 3m thick with low to moderate
overburden. The overburden further increases towards east and southeast with an overlap of younger sediments.
In the Cementnagar Plateau, the three conglomerate layers ranging in thickness from 1 m to 2 m occur in the lower part
of the Banganapalle Quartzite (7 to 22.5 m thick). The middle layer has a maximum thickness up to 2 m and oldworkings
are present in this layer.
The outliers around Gorumanukonda and Bugganipalle are 2 to 10m thick with thin conglomerate layers (5 to 20 cm
thick). The area was extensively worked by the ancients as evidenced by innumerable old workings.
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Dossier on Diamond
Recommendations: The conglomerates from both the Undutla and Cementnagar Plateaux have to be tested for diamond
potential.
Balapuram - Rangapuram Area
Geographic Data
Area : Balapuram - Rangapuram, Kurnool district.
Coordinates : Lat.: 15°25’ -15°34’; Long.: 78°00’ - 78°10’
: Toposheet no. 57 I/2
Access : Approachable by metalled and fair weather roads from Dhone and Guntur - Guntakal railway
line.
Geological set-up: The Banganapalle Quartzite occurs as detached outliers overlying the Vempalle Formation in the
west and the Tadapatri Formation in the east. The various rock formations occur at different levels due to post Kurnool
faulting.
IA
The size of the Banganapalle Quartzite outliers, their thickness and the incidence of conglomerate varies widely. The
outcrops north of Rangapuram vary in size from 0.05 to 0.25 sq km, with an average thickness of about 1 m, whereas in
D
rest of the area, sizes vary from 1 to 20 sq km with an average thickness of 8m. The formation is mostly composed of
IN
sandstones with thin lenses and layers of conglomerate (Fig. 3.6).
F
Exploration: About 200 sq km area lying south of Ramallakota-Kalva Bugga road, north of Bethemcherla-Rangapram
O
railway line and west of Somayajulapalli-Bethemcherla road was examined by GSI for delineating feasible areas for
exploration. In a major part of the area , the Formation is devoid of significant conglomerate layers except in the northern
Y
VE
part where the formation is bedded with two to four conglomeratic layers ranging in thickness from 5 to 25 cm. Extensive
oldworkings are found in Verapalli-Repalle area.
R
The investigation involved work component of UNFC G-4 stage.

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AL
IC
G
LO
EO
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Fig. 3.6 : Banganapalle

diamondiferous
conglomerate
123
River gravels
The quaternary gravels deposited along the alluvial tracts of the Krishna and Penner Rivers in Andhra Pradesh are known
to have been the major source for diamonds in the historic past. The Kohinoor (186 ct), the Great Moghul (787 ct), the
Pitt/Regent (410 ct), the Orlof (189 ct) and the Blue Hope (45 ct) to name a few are the world famous diamonds produced
from the gravels of the Krishna Valley. Though ancient diamond mining activity is known all along the banks of the
Krishna River, from Satanikota in Kurnool district in the west to Paritala in Krishna district in the east, over a distance of
400 km, the intensity of mining was more over a 60 km long belt, between Kolluru (Guntur district) on the right bank and
Paritala (Krishna district) on the left bank.
Besides old workings are recorded along the banks of the Penneru River around Chennur-Kanuparthi in Cuddapah
district, the Sagileru river (a tributary to Penner) around Sanjivraopeta –Kalsapadu in Prakasham –Cuddapah district, the
Kundair River around Basavapur and the Hindri River around Lakshmipuram both in Kurnool district. Exploration of the
gravels occurring in parts of the Krishna and Sagileru valleys was done to estimate the gravel and diamond resources.
IA
Krishna Gravels
D
Ancient diamond mining activity is known all along the banks of the Krishna River from its confluence with the Tungabhadra
IN
River near Satanikota in Kurnool district, in the west of Paritala in Krishna district in the east over a distance of 300 km
but intensity of mining was more over a 60 km long belt, between Kolluru (Guntur district) on the right bank and Paritala
F
on the left bank of the river from where all the famous diamonds were known to have been won. The area forms a part of
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the NE corner of the Cuddapah Basin. Gravels occur as disconnected flats of varying dimensions in the form of terraces
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from the confluence to Ustapalli, whereas in the area down stream of Ustapalli, which is a vast flood plain the gravels are
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deposited along the paleochannels, presently buried under thick alluvial cover. The paleochannel gravels deposited over
the Archaean gneiss occur as far as seven km away from the left bank of the river in the Chandralapadu area.
R
The gravels are composed of well rounded pebbles, cobbles and boulders of mostly quartzite and vein quartz, sandstone,
SU
siltstone, jasper, agate, chalcedony and minor granite and conglomerate. Size reduction of the gravel clast is observed
along down stream of paleochannels. The source for the gravel clast is essentially the Cuddapah Basin. The major heavy
minerals associated with the gravel are magnetite, epidote, zircon, garnet, ilmenite, corundum, tourmaline, chromite (?),
AL
etc. The garnets mostly correspond to almandine-spessartite group.

IC
In the stretch between the confluence of the Krishna and the Tungabhadra to Ustapalle the gravels mostly occur on the
terraces, whereas in the area between downstream of Ustapalle and Paritala, which is a vast flood plain, they are deposited
G
along palaeochannels presently buried under thick alluvial cover.

LO
The terrace gravels occurring between the confluence of the Krishna with the Tungabhadra to Nagarjunasagar Dam are
EO
presently submerged by the reservoir waters. A few unworked gravel flats are still available in the stretch between the
Nagarjunasagar dam and Ustapalle. Though intense mining activity prevailed during the historical past in the flood plain
G
area downstream of Ustapalle, some unworked gravel flats are available for further exploration. Details of exploration
carried out are discussed area wise.
A. Kolluru - Bodanam Area

Geographic data
Area : Kolluru - Bodanam, Guntur district
Coordinates : Lat.: 16°37’ -16°42’; Long 79°57’ - 80°01’
Toposheet nos. 56 P/14 & 65 0/2
Extent : About 10 km long and 1 to 1.5 km wide extending from Kolluru (16°42' : 80°01'; 65 0/2) in
the northeast to Bodanam (16°38’ : 79°57’ ; 56 P/14) in the southwest.
Access : Approachable from Sattenapalle, a commercial place in the area at a distance of 60 km from
Kolluru; about 35 km from Bellamkonda, the Mandai headquarters, situated on Nedikudi-
Guntur Broad Gauge railway line. The area is accessible by metalled/fair weather roads.
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Dossier on Diamond
Geological Set up: The area forms a part of the northeastern corner of the Cuddapah Basin, which exposes an
interbedded sequence of phyllite and quartzite, with bands of gritty/pebbly sandstone and dolomite of the Cumbum
Formation (Nallamalai Group) of Cuddapah Supergroup, Narji Limestone of the Kurnool Group and Archaean granites
and gneisses. The Narji Limestone is thrust over by the rocks of the Cumbum Formation, which in turn are thrust over
by the Archaean gneisses and granites.
Quaternary sediments comprising colluvial fans, terrace gravels and alluvium are deposited over phyllite (Cumbum
Formation) and limestone (Narji Formation). Diamonds are found in the terrace gravels deposited by the Krishna River
and the colluvium derived from the Cumbum Formation. The area extends over 10x 1to 1.5 km .Four distinct terraces
are recognised in the area. Of these, almost the entire gravel occurring on the terrace T3 was mined out by the ancients.
Gravel on the terrace T2 is overlain by a 10 to 12 m thick overburden of silt/clay. Only the gravels occurring on the
terraces T1 and T0 either under thin alluvial cover exposed. The terrace T1 is narrow and impersistent.T0 gravel occurs as
bar deposits along the present day course of the rivers. The gravels are composed of mostly well rounded pebbles, cobbles
IA
and boulders of quartzite and vein quartz. Banded jasper, chert, agate and chalcedony and fragments of granite and basic
rock form minor constituents.
D
IN
During 1987-1992, about 3 sq km around Kolluru was mapped on 1:4,000 scale and 1,217 tonnes of bulk gravel and
colluvium excavating 3,762 cu m of material from 11pits, were collected. Processing indicated that both gravel and
F
colluvium are found to contain diamonds.T0 gravels has a thickness up to 5.50 m with an average of 2.30 m and T2 gravel,
O
1 to 1.5 m thick under 5 to 12 m thick overw burden. Colluvial gravel zone is up to 5.5 m thick (average 2.3 m) and overlain
Y
by 0.5 to 5.3 m thick overburden (average 1.66 m). Oldworkings are found in the zone.
VE
The colluvial gravels are found as fans occurring close to the hills in the southern side of the area. The fans are composed
R
of mostly angular to sub-angular pebbles and cobbles of vein quartz, sandstone and phyllite and also rounded to well
SU
rounded granules and pebbles of smoky vein quartz in a silty/clayey matrix.

Exploration: During 1987-1992, preliminary exploration was carried out in the terrace gravels and the colluvium. The
AL
investigation involved work component of reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.

IC
a) Regional mapping (1 : 50,000 scale) : 90.00 sq km

G
b) Large scale mapping (1 : 4,000 scale) : 3.14 sq km area around Kalluru

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Table 3.16 : Showing Details of excavation and processing

EO
Excavation (cu m)
Processing
G
Bulk sample (tonnes)

Test Pits+ Total
Pits+
i) Terrace gravel
T0 50(3) 470(20) 520 270
T2 503(12) 2262(2) 2765 104
T3 65(4) 60(1) 125 70
ii) Colluvium
685(46) 770(6) 1455 773
+ The figures in parentheses indicate number of pits.
125
Dimensions of the explored area

T0 gravel : Delineated over 0.27 sq km - gravel thickness ranges from 0.15 to 5.50 m with an average of 2.30m.
T2 gravel : Ranges in thickness from 1 to 105m. extent could not be delineated owing to 5-12m thick overburden.
Colluvial gravel : Occurs in about 0.9 sq km, of which, in about 0.2 sq km area, old workings exist -gravel thickness ranges
from 0.10 to 5.5m (av. 2.3m) and overlain by 0.50 to 5.30 m thick over burden (av. 1.66 m).
Diamond incidence and gravel resources: Processing of bulk samples indicated a low diamond incidence, details of which
are given in Table 3.17 :
Table 3.17 : Details of Diamond incidence
Quantity Diamond Recovered Diamond Gravel resource

Type of sample
processed (tonne) (No./wt in ct) Incidence (cpht) (million tonne)
IA
T0 270 1/0.02 0.007 0.2
D
IN
Terrace gravel T2 104 - - -
F
T3 70 2/0.09 0.13 -
O
Colluvial gravel 773 6/5.11 0.66 3.2
Y
VE
Of the nine diamonds recovered, six are from the colluvium. The colluvial diamonds are larger in size and weigh from 0.31
ct to 1.65 ct. Almost all the diamonds are gem type with yellowish tinge and a few have black inclusions. The diamonds
R
exhibit modified forms and pitted nature.

SU
Recommendations: T2 terrace gravels of Chityala area and the colluvial gravel in Chityala Bodanam area are to be tested
for their potential.
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B. Chandralapadu Area
IC
G
Geographic data
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Area : Chandralapadu, Krishna district

Coordinates : Lat.: 16°37’ -16°42’; Long 80°09’ - 80°15’
EO
Toposheet no. 65 D/2

Extent : About 35 sq km area of the flood plain occupied by palaeochannels, extending from Ustapalle
G
in the northwest and Popuru in the southeast.

Access : The area lies about 15 km southwest of Nandigama, located on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada
N.H. 9 and is approachable from Nandigama by tar pitched metalled/fair weather roads.
Geological set up: The area forms a part of the floodplain of the Krishna River with inselbergs of granite and gneisses.
In the northwestern part of the area, an interbedded sequence of phyllite and quartzite of the Cumbum Formation
(Cuddapah Supergroup) is exposed, forming ridges near Ustapalle. The flood plain is occupied by 1 to 9m thick alluvium,
composed of black soil, sand and clay. The alluvium is underlain by gravels deposited over the Archaean gneisses.
Oldworkings are found in the form of elongated depressions, south and southeast of Chandralapadu.
Diamonds occur in the gravels deposited along the palaeochannels occurring in three different buried terraces. The oldest
terrace - T2, occupied by the major palaeochannels extends from Ustapalle in the northwest to Popuru in the southeast,
over a length of 12 km and a width of 2 to 4 km. The next younger terrace T1, occurs at 8 to 10m lower than the T2 terrace.
The youngest terrace T0 is 2 to 5 m lower than the T1 terrace.
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Dossier on Diamond
The gravel thickness in different terraces is as given in Table 3.18 :

Table 3.18
Terrace Gravel thickness (m) Overburden thickness (m)

range average range average
T2 0.10-3.90 0.84 1.1-7.0 3.10

T1 0.10-5.50 1.05 1.0-9.0 2.84
T0 0.10-0.70 0.30 1.0- 7.0 2.10
Besides, three higher level terraces occurring at 43m, 77m and 123m above MSL are recorded on the slopes of
Gudimettakonda hill near Ustapalle. These terraces, however, have only very thin and small remnants of gravel.
IA
The gravels are composed of well rounded pebbles, cobbles and boulders of mostly quartzite and vein quartz, sandstone,
D
siltstone, jasper, agate, chalcedony and minor granite and conglomerate. Size reduction of the gravel clasts is observed
IN
along down stream of palaeochannels. The source for the gravel clasts is essentially the Cuddapah Basin. The major heavy
minerals associated with the gravels are magnetite, epidote, zircon, garnet, ilmenite, corundum, tourmaline, chromite (?),
F
etc. The garnets mostly correspond to almandine-spessartite group.
O
Exploration: Exploration was carried out in a few blocks in the palaeochannels under the National Diamond Project (a
Y
collaborative programme of GSI, MECL and NMDC) during 1980-87 and subsequently by GSI in 1990-91, to delineate
VE
the gravel flats and to assess their diamond potential. The exploratory works involved test pitting, and geophysical surveys
to delineate the gravel flats, collection of bulk samples and processing to recover diamonds.
R
The geophysical surveys had only limited success in identifying the gravel beds. In certain areas, the geophysical parameters
SU
are not clear due to salinity of the goundwater and feeble contrast of the physical properties of the various layers.
The blocks explored were (a) Chandralapadu Block (b) Patempadu Block (c) Veladikottapalem Block (d) Kodavatikallu
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Block, (e) Pokkunuru Block, (Kondapeta Block and (g) Punnavalli Block.
IC
Chandralapadu Block: This block lies about 2 km south of Chandralapadu (16 041’ : 800 12’) and extends over a length
G
of 1.2 km in NW-SE direction with an average width of about 500m. There is a 1 km long and 200m wide oldworking
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zone within this block. The gravel thickness ranges from 0.45 to 2.10m and overburden from 2.1 to 6.3m.
Large scale mapping (1:2000 scales) : 0.75 sqkm
EO
Processing : 852 tonnes

G
Patempadu Block: This is located about 200m southwest of Patempadu village (160 40/ :80014’). It extends for about
1.6 km in NW-SE direction, ranging in width from 200 to 500 m. This block has extensive old workings. The thickness of
gravel ranges from 0.10 to 3.30 m and overburden from 3 to 1m. In this block, the area between the oldworkings contain
unworked gravel. The bedrock has undulating surface and minor depressions.
Large scale mapping (1:2000 scale) : 0.50 sq km
Processing : 2453 t
Veladikottapalem Block: This is located very close to and on the western side of Veladikottapalem village (160 38’:800
14’). It extends in NW-SE direction, over a length of 4.8 km and width ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 km. This is the largest block
of unworked gravel. Two small old working zones measuring about 200x120m each are noticed in the central part of the
block. The gravel thickness ranges from 0.1 to 3.9m and overburden from 1.1 to 6m.
127
Kodavatikallu Block: This block lies very close to the Krishna River, extending over a length of 3.62 km in NW-SE
direction from about 1 km east of Kodavatikallu (16030’ : 80011’) and width ranging from 200 to 500m. It is devoid of old
workings. In this block, both T0 and T1 gravels occur. The T0 gravels range in thickness from 0.10 to 0.70 m, with 1 to 5m
thick overburden. The T1 gravel is 0.10 to 5.5m thick and the overburden is 1 to 9m.
Large scale mapping (1 :4000 scale) : 2.5 sq km
Pokkunuru Block: This area falls close to Pokkunuru village (160 39’ : 800 09’) on either side of the Pokkunuru-
Chandralapadu road, extending over 1 km length and about 300m width. This block is devoid of oldworkings.
Kondapeta Block: This block lies towards east of Kondapeta (160 39’: 800 12’) village.
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Large scale mapping : 0.05 sq km
D
IN
F
Punnavalli Block: This block lies about 0.5km north of Punnavalli (16037’: 80012’) village.
O
Large scale mapping : 0.04 sq km
Processing : 102 tonnes Y
VE
Dimensions of the prospects: Areas of unworked gravel zone delineated in different blocks is given below :
R
Table 3.19
SU
Chandralapadu 0.219 sq km
Patempadu 0.214 sq km
AL
Veladikottapalem 4.936 sq km
IC
Kodavatikallu 0.395 sq km
G
Pokkunuru 0.106 sq km
LO
Kondapeta 0.035 sq km
EO
Punnavalli 0.024 sq km
G
Results of processing: Samples for processing were drawn from the seven blocks explored in the area.
No. of bulk sample pits : 82
Excavation : 42,287 cu m of alluvium and gravel
Processing 11,426 tonnes of gravel (11,132 tonnes of bulk samples + 294 tonnes
of test pit samples. Each bulk sample, in general, is more than 100
tonnes . A majority of samples are from T2 terrace)
No.of diamonds recovered weight : 115/96.09 ct
Av. weight of diamond : 0.83 ct
The diamond incidence is found to be quite erratic, spot values vary from 0.07 cpht to 19.2 cpht. The palaeotopography
with undulations and depressions has played a part in concentrating diamonds. For example, from the trenches EP-29
and 29A (Patempadu block), 274 tonnes of gravel drawn from an area measuring 25 x 10m yielded 29 diamonds weighing
30.33 ct.
128
Dossier on Diamond
About 82% of the diamonds are gem; 10% off - colour and 8% industrial. Average weight of stones is about 0.83 ct.
About 38% of the diamonds are above 0.5 ct, which include 20% of the diamonds of more than 1 ct size. About 68% of
the diamonds are ‘shapes’ and a majority are distorted octahedral or dodecahedral crystals.
Assessment of diamond incidence and gravel resources was done for four major blocks, the details of which are given in
Table 3.20. Assessment was not done for the remaining three blocks as the areas explored are small in size.
Table 3.20 : Incidence of Diamond in Gravels
Resources
Gravel Diamond
No. of diamonds incidence
processed
Block Recovered (cpht) Gravel Diamond
No. of pitsl/Qty
wt (ct)
IA
(tonnes) (million tonnes) (ct)
D
Chandralapadu 6/852 12/2.67 0.31 0.40 1240
IN
Patempadu 21/2552 63/59.99 2.44 0.22 5460
F
O
Veladikottapalem 35/4444 27/21.37 0.48 18.10 86400
Kodavatikallu 12/2557 9110.04 Y
0.85 0.74 6290
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Recommendations: Close spaced auger hole drilling/test pitting would enable accurate delineation of the channel
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configuration and gravel flats. The exploration indicated that though the overall diamond incidence is very low (1 cpht)
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there are some high spot values. Thus the richer zones within the channels, if any, would be very narrow. Bulk sampling on
a closer interval (100 x 100m & 100 x 50m) would give a better picture of the diamond incidence and help in delineating
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potential zones, if any.

IC
The occurrence of alkaline lamprophyre body at Ramannapeta near Ustapalle warrants further search for lamprophyric/
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kimberlitic rocks in the area. Further, basic and ultrabasic rocks are reported in the catchment area of the Paleru-Munneru
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rivers.
C. Paritala Area
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Geographic data
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Area: : Paritala, Krishna district

Coordinates : Lat.: 160 37' to 39'N; Long.: 80 020' : 80 025' E Toposheet no. 65D/6
xtent: : About 36 sq km of triangular area lying between Pari tala (160 39': 800 25') in the north and
the Krishna River in the south, Munneru River in the west and Atkuru (16037': 800 24') in
the east.
Access: : Pari tala is about 35 km from Vijayawada, located on the Hyderabad - Vijayawada N.H.9
Geological set-up: The area forms a part of the vast flood plain of the Krishna River.
Towards north of Paritala, there are hill ranges comprising the charnockites and khondalites of the Eastern Ghat complex.
The flood plain area is composed of black soil, clay and sand underlain by gravel deposited over weathered gneiss/
charnockite.
129
The gravels deposited over the gneiss charnockite form the host rock for the diamonds in the area. They range in thickness
from 0.50 to 2.20m and are overlain by a 2 to 6.50m thick alluvium. The gravel is composed of well rounded pebbles
and cobbles of mainly quartzite, vein quartz and minor amounts of chert, jasper, agate and subangular to subrounded
quartzite. The heavy minerals in the gravels are garnet, epidote, magnetite, pyroxene, corundum, tourmaline and zircon.
Many oldworkings are recorded in this area near Paritala, Battinapadu, Mogaluru and Atkuru. These are aligned in a WSW-
ENE direction. These mines are known to have yielded large diamonds. An attempt by the Hyderabad Deccan Company
(in the later part of 19th century) to assess the diamond potential resulted in the recovery of 3444 stones weighing 2085
ct from the gravels processed from the old workings near Paritala.
Exploration: Preliminary exploration in the area was carried out by GSI during 1968-72. The work included hand auger
drilling, collection of samples and processing to recover diamonds. Geophysical surveys involving seismic and electrical
resistivity methods were also attempted to locate and delineate the gravel patches. However, they were found to be not of
much help due to saline groundwater condition and poor contrast in the physical properties of different layers. A few bulk
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samples were collected and processed under the National Diamond Project during 1980-87. The investigation involved
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work component of UNFC G-2/G-3 stage.
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The work carried out are given in Table 3.21 :
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Table 3.21
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Quantum of work done
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Nature of work In 1968-72 In 1980-87 Total
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1. Large scale mapping (sq km) 32 - 32

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2. Auger drilling (m) 1500(269)* . 1500

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3. Excavation (cu m) - 4957(10)* 4957(10)*

4. Processing (t) 110(11)* 725(10)* 835(21)*
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5. Diamond recovery (No./wt in ct) 3/4.13 - 3/4.13

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LO
*No. of auger holes drilled / pits excavated / samples processed.

EO
On the basis of auger hole data, six small unworked gravel patches were delineated with a gravel resource of 2.4
million tonnes. The extent and average thickness of gravel and overburden in each of the six gravel patches is given in
G
Table 3.22 :
Table 3.22
Gravel patch Area (sq m) Average thickness (m)

Gravel Overburden
A 367500 0.90 4.10
B 215040 0.60 3.00
C 480000 0.80 4.70
D 252096 0.90 3.30
E 176832 0.80 3.70
F 0.20 6.30
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Dossier on Diamond
Processing of samples indicated the diamondiferous nature of the gravels. Though the 110 tonnes of gravel processed
during 1968-72 yielded three diamonds weighing 4.13 ct, the 725 tonnes of gravel processed under the NDP did not yield
diamonds. The details of quantity of gravel processed, diamonds recovered and reserves of gravel in each of the six gravel
patches is given in Table 3.23 :
Table 3.23
Gravel Quantity of gravel Diamonds Gravel

Patch processed recovered reserves
(No./wt in
ct)
During 1968-72 During 1980- Total During During Total (Million
87 1968-72 1980-87 tonne)
A 28(3) 86(1) 114(4) -- -- -- 0.68
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B 28(2) 142(2) 170(4) 1/3.25 -- 1/3.25 0.27
D
C 54(6) 251(2) 305(8) 2/0.88 -- 2/0.88 0.76
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D -- 33(1) 33(1) -- -- -- 0.45
E` -- -- -- -- --
F
-- 0.27
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F -- -- -- -- -- -- N.E.
* -- 213(4) 213(4) Y -- -- --
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(*Area outside these gravel patches. Figures in parentheses indicate number of samples processed.)
(.N.E-Not estimated)
R
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Of the three diamonds recovered from this area, two are off colour-variety (greenish black) and one gem (yellowish),
ranging in weight from 0.25 ct to 3.25 ct. Two diamonds are octahedral and one is a flat piece.
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Recommendations: The garnets recovered from the gravel samples indicated a source to be the gneissic country. The
Munneru is the main river draining mainly the gneissic country and joining the Krishna River very close to and upstream
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of the area. The catchment area of the Munneru River may be searched for concealed kimberlites.
G
Pennar Gravels
LO
Pennar valley forms the southern limit of the known diamond occurrences in Andhra Pradesh. Old workings are recorded
EO
along the banks of the river in the area around Chennur-Kanuparti-Jammalamadugu in Cuddapah district and between
Somasila and Sangam in Nellore district. The gravel occurs mostly on terraces in Anantapur, Cuddapah and Nellore
G
districts.
A. Hindupur-Jirapalle Area
Terrace gravels occur as disconnected flats between Hindupur (13034’ : 770 29’ ; Topsheet no. : 57 G/5) and Jirapalle (140
42’ : 770 16’; Topsheet no. : 57 F/6) in Anantapur district, over a stretch of 150 km. They occur up to a distance of 300-
500m from the present river course and are deposited over weathered gneisses. The gravels are composed essentially of
well rounded vein quartz and contain corundum, garnet, ilmenite and magnetite as heavy minerals. Occasional diamond
finds are reported by locals.
B. Chennur-Kanuparti-Jammalamadugu Area
In this area, extensive oldworkings are recorded around Chennur (140 34’ : 780 48’ ; Topsheet no. : 57 J/14) on the right
bank and Kanuparti (140 33’ : 780 49’ ; Topsheet no. : 57 J/14) and about 7 km east of Jammalamadugu (Topsheet no. :
57 1/5) on the left bank of the river in Cuddapah district. The gravel is composed of well rounded pebbles, cobbles and
131
boulders of mainly quartzite and vein quartz with minor amounts of clasts of banded jasper, basic rock, chalcedony, etc.
The gravels are deposited over the Kurnool Group/Cuddapah Supergroup of rocks.
C. Somasila - Sangam Area
In this area, the gravels occur on an older terrace (T3) as disconnected flats extending from Somasila in the west to Sangam
in the east, over a stretch of 35 km in Nellore district. The gravel is nearly 10m thick and composed of well rounded
pebbles, cobbles and boulders of quartzite, vein-quartz, chert, jasper, etc
Sagileru Gravels
Gravels are found all along the Sagileru valley, over a length of 100 km and oldworkings are recorded in the surface
gravels, over a distance of 40 km between Giddalur and Porumamilla.
A. Giddalur-Siddavattam Area
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Geographic data
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IN
Area: : Giddalur - Siddavattam, Prakasam and Cuddapah districts
Coordinates : Lat.: 14°28’ -15°23’N; Long.: 78°45’ - 79°08’E
F
Toposheet no. : 571/15,16, J/13, N/1, 2 & 3.
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Extent: : Sagileru valley is about 100 km long, between Giddalur (15023’:78055’ Topsheet no. : 57 I/15)
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and Siddavattam (14029’ : 79000’ ; Topsheet no. : 57J/11) and 10 km wide.
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Access: : Approachable both from Cuddapah (district headquarters) and Nandyal (commercial centre) by
metalled roads; a major district road passes through the Sagileru valley between Giddalur and
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Siddavattam. Cuddapah and Giddalur are connected by railway lines.

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Geological set-up: The Sagileru valley is an intermontane valley flanked by the Nallamalai range on the west and the
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Velikonda range on the east. The area is underlain by mostly phyllites with minor quartzites of the Cumbum Formation,
Cuddapah Supergroup, which are intruded by small riebeckite syenite bodies. The formation has NW-SE trend with steep
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to vertical dips.
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Both erosional and depositional landforms are observed. The erosional landforms comprise hilly terrain of high relief,
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residual hills, pediment and pediplain. The high hill ranges, residual hills and pediment are made of quartzites and phyllites
whereas the pediplain is composed of phyllites with a veneer of brown soil. The depositional landforms include alluvial
EO
fans, paleochannels, terraces, floodplain and active channels with which the gravel deposits are found.
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Many gravel flats occur all along the course of the Sagileru and the streams draining into the Sagileru from the Nallamalai
range, particularly, the Enumaleru. Both surface and subsurface gravels are found.
The surface gravels occur as fans on the right bank of the river and close to the hills and as paleochannels. These range
in thickness from 1 to 3m and were worked extensively by ancients around Kalasapadu (150 06’: 780 56’; Topsheet no. : 57
I/16), Adimurtipalle (15012’: 78054’ Topsheet no. : 57I/16), Sanjivaraopeta (15017’: 78054’; Topsheet no. : 57I/15), etc.
Terrace gravels are well developed all along the right bank of the river. The gravels are found on two terraces, T2 and
T1, overlain by alluvium. The T1 terrace is locally developed and gravels are scanty. The T2 terrace is well developed and
persistent. The T2 gravels are 2 to 3m thick, occurring below a 3 to 4m thick alluvium. The gravels are mainly composed
of rounded to well rounded clasts of quartzite, ferruginous quartzite, vein-quartz, etc. in the size range of pebble to
boulder.
Exploration: During 1989-92, preliminalry exploration was done to map the various landforms and associated gravels
and to test the gravels for their diamondiferous nature. The investigation involved work component of reconnaissance
(UNFC G-4) stage.
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Dossier on Diamond
Quaternary mapping : 870 sq km

(1:50,000 scale)
Pitting : 200 cu m
Processing : 640tonnes
Bulk sampling was done at seven different locations, five samples from the fan gravels (Adimurtipalle - Kalaspadu.
Narsapuram . Venkatasettipalle areas), one sample from the terrace gravel (Vaenkamarri area) and one sample from the
paleochannel (Doddampalle area).
Processing of 640 tonnes of gravel yielded two diamonds weighing 0.99 ct. Both the diamonds are from the fan gravels.
Of the two diamonds recovered, one (0.95 ct) is from the Kalasapadu area, by processing 77 tonnes of gravel. The area
has extensive old workings. The second diamond, which weighs 0.04 ct, is recovered from Venkatasettipalle area by
processing of 44 tonnes of gravel. The recovery of two diamonds indicates the diamondiferous nature of the gravels.
IA
D
The gravel deposits are extensive and tentative geological reserves are as follows. About 550 Million tonne of gravel are
IN
estimated, of which the fan gravels alone constitute nearly 400 Million tonne.
F
Table 3.24
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Paleo channel
Y
Fan gravel Terrace gravel
VE
gravel
Area
R
Area Quantity
Area Quantity Area Quantity
SU
(sq km) (million tonne) (sq km) (million tonne) (sq km) (million tonne)
AL
*Giddaluru-Sanjivaraopeta
IC
6 17 5 17 20 130
(Topsheet no. : 57I/15)
G
Adimurtipalle
LO
13 12 . . -
EO
Kalasapadu
35 90 - . .
G
Narsapuram
2/ 5 2 15 .
Venkatasettipalle-Attuluru
80 200 . . .
(Topsheet no. : 57N/2)
Muttukuru
25 64 . - .
(Topsheet no. : 57N/2)
Total 161 388 7 32 20 130
Recommendations: The regional sampling of the gravels confirmed their diamondiferous nature. Further detailed
sampling is necessary to prove the grade of the different gravel flats, particularly the fan gravels.
133
The composition of the gravels suggests very nearyby provenance i.e. the Nallamalai range, comprising the Bairenkonda
Quartzite and the Cumbum Formation, where kimberlitic-lampriotic dykes are reported from Chelima Pachcherla and
Zangamrajupalle areas. It is, therefore, required to search for more kimberlitic rocks in the area.
In Giddaluru area possible reserves of 307 million tonne of fan gravels and 170 million tonne of terrace gravels have been
estimated (Grade uncertain) (29 diamonds weighing 0.99ct was recovered from 639.82 tonnes of gravels).
DIAMOND EXPLORATION IN THE STATE OF KARNATAKA

Kimberlite
The discovery of Kimberlites in Maddur – Narayanpet area in Mahaboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh by GSI, during
late 1980s and early 90s, prompted to extend the search for kimberlites further westwards to parts of the adjoining district
of Gulbarga in Karnataka. In 1995-96, OP: A.P led to the discovery of 5 kimberlite bodies (NK – 7, 8, 9, 10 and BK-1) –
of Narayanpet Kimberlite Field (NKF) from Gulbarga district, thus bringing the State of Karnataka into the Kimberlite
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map of India (Plate-11). Two more kimberlite occurrences (BK-2 & 3) were located in F.S. 1996-97 in Gulbarga district.
D
Subsequently Project of Diamond was formed in OP: Karnataka and Goa in 1997-98 & during F.S. 1997-98 1998-99 and
IN
1999-2000 three additional Kimberlite occurrences were reported from Gulbarga district, Karnataka (BK-4, 5 & 6). Based
on available historical data on ancient diamond mining activity and considering the geodynamics and structural features of
F
the area, regional search for kimberlites in Raichur area was initiated in 2000-2001. This has led to the discovery of three
O
kimberlite bodies in this area; the field has been christened as Raichur Kimberlite Field (RKF) (Fig. 3.4).
Raichur Kimberlite Field

Y
VE
Reconnaissance stage (UNFC G-4) investigation was carried out in Raichur area.
R
SU
A. Undraldoddi Kimberlite (RK-1)

Location : Located at about 750m SW of Undraldoddi (16008’35”N: 770 28’40”E).
AL
Dimension : 700 m in length x 190 m width

IC
Trend : WNW-ESE
G
Kimberlite is emplaced at the contact between grey and pink biotite granite. It is concealed, but exposed in a number of
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dugwell sections.
Kimberlite is capped by 1 to 1.5m thick calcrete below the topsoil and the rock is highly weathered, soft, friable, tuffaceous
EO
at places and greenish yellow/yellowish green in colour. Undraldoddi kimberlite with an areal extent of over 10 ha is the
largest of the kimberlite so far discovered from Karnataka. Panned concentrates of the weathered kimberlite yielded
G
chrome spinel, chrome – diopside, garnet, phlogopite, perovskite, enstatite and zircon, of which the first three are in
greater abundance. Presence of diamond in this pipe is yet to be tested.
B. Metti Malkapur Kimberlite (RK – 2)

Location : Located at about 300m east of Mettimalkapur (16008’/35” : 770 24’30” and about 8 km west of RK-1
kimberlite.
Dimension : Oval shaped body with 110m x 80m
Trend : WNW – ESE
Exposed in a dug well section and emplaced in granite gneiss. Calcrete cover with brown sandy soil represents the surface
manifestation of the concealed kimberlite body. The rock is massive, fine grained, bluish green/ grey in colour and
traversed by thin veins of carbonate. It is highly carbonated and contains autoliths and crustal xenoliths.
134
Dossier on Diamond
C. Maliabad Kimberlite (RK – 3)

Location : 700m WSW of Maliabad (16008’15” N: 770 21’25”E) and 6 km south of Raichur.
Kimberlite is covered under 1m thick calcrete below 1-2 m thick soil/dump as the pipe occurs within the Maliabad fort
(ruins). Kimberlite is emplaced in granite at the intersection of E-W trending & N-S trending lineaments. It is highly
weathered, friable and greenish yellow (yellow ground variety) in colour.
D. Turkandoni Kimberlite
During F.S. 2009-10 two kimberlite bodies were discovered about 300m south of Turkandoni (Topsheet no. : 57E/5)
through indicator mineral survey followed by intensive geological traverses. Based on the inferences drawn from the
recovery of indicator minerals and the tonal characteristics of surface soils a trench was excavated about 300m south of
Turkandoni to expose the kimberlite body.The investigation involving indicator mineral survey, geological traverse and
pitting is carried out under G-4 stage of UNFC.
IA
D
The trench exposes 80 cm reddish soil with calcrete at the top, below which weathered kimberlite is exposed. From the
IN
tonal characteristic of surface soils the kimberlite body is inferred to be about 100m in diameter. The weathered kimberlite
shows inequigranular texture with anhedral macrocrysts of serpentinised olivine and chrome diopside set in a highly
F
weathered clayey matrix. A few harzburgite xenoliths were also found in the kimberlite. The thin sections of harzburgite
O
show serpentinised olivine, orthopyronxene and <5% chrome diopside. Field work in adjoining area indicated that one
Y
irrigation bore well located 300m west of this kimberlite body, intersected a kimberlite at depth. The rock chips recovered
VE
from the sludge of the bore well showed fresh dark grey kimberlite, with inequigranular texture consisting of macrocrysts
of olivine in a very fine grained serpentinised matrix.
R
SU
Narayanpet Cluster in Gulberga Area

The investigation in Gulbarga area is carried out under reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.
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Pipe NK – 7 (Putpak Kimberlite)

IC
Location : 1 km north of Putpak (16049’15” N: 77027’50”E)

G
LO
The kimberlite occurs at the intersection of NW-SE trending fracture with E-W fault. It is highly weathered yellowish
kimberlite with phenocryrts of phlogopite and few crustal xenoliths.
EO
Pipe NK – 8 (Keshwar Kimberlite)

G
Location : 1.5 km NNW Keshwar

Both hard and compact unaltered melanocratic kimberlite together with weathered and altered kimberlite with calcrete
cover occupy an area of about 50 m x 10 m.
Pipe NK – 9 ( Narzapur Kimberlite)
Location : 0.75 km WSW of Narzapur (16049’35” N: 77023’55”E)

Dyke-like body, approximately 50mm x 10m in dimension, emplaced into TT gneisses along a NW – SE fracture, close
to an E-W fault. Hard and compact melanocratic kimberlite with phenocryrts of olivine and ilmenite showing pelletal
texture. Olivines are fresh and rounded. Crustal xenoliths are abundant.
Pipe NK – 10 (Himalapur Kimberlite)
Location : 2.5 km SW of Himalapur (16050’55” N: 77019’35”E)
135
Hard variety of Kimberlite with steel grey colour is exposed amidst grayish soil with calcrete. Harder part shows porphyritic
texture with phenocrysts of fresh olivine and phlogopite. Crustal xenoliths measuring upto 6 cm x 6 cm are common.
Bhima Kimberlite field (BK – 1 to BK – 6)
The investigation in Bhima area is carried out with reconnaissance (UNFC G-4) stage.
Pipe BK-1 (Bewanahalli Kimberlite) – 1)
Location : 16050’25”N :77019’00”, 4.5 km ESE of Bewanahalli
Two small pockets of calcrete rich soil, on pouring gave a few grains of chrome diopside and ilmenite. Further probe by
pitting exposed highly weathered and altered yellowish kimberlite.
Pipe BK – 2 (Bewanahalli Kimberlite – 2 )
Location : SE corner of Bewanahalli (16051’00” : 77016’45”)
IA
Highly weathered soft, friable altered variety of kimberlite of yellowish green colour exposed in stream section, xenocrysts
of altered olivine, chrome diopside, ilmenite and phlogopite are seen.
D
IN
Pipe BK – 3 (Shivapur Kimberlite)
F
Location : 1.5 km SSW of Shivapur (16051’45”N: 77016’30”E)
O
It is not exposed. However it is inferred from a few calcrete fragments spread over the black soil that the approximate
Y
dimension is 70m x 20m. It showed pseudomorphs of olivine and ilmenite grains. Pitting exposed highly weathered
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greenish kimberlite below 1 – 1.5m thick soil.
Pipe BK – 4 (Yagapur Kimberlite)
R
SU
Location : 2.5km WSW of Yagapur (16054’40” N: 77007’00”E)

Occurrence of the concealed kimberlite is indicated on the surface by calcrete with kimberlite indicator minerals in
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soil. The weathered kimberlite, which occurs about 2m below soil cover is soft, dirty green in colour, serpentinised and
carbonated.
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Pipe BK – 5 (Gondagera Tanda Kimberlite)

G
LO
Location : 0.5 km NNW of Gondagera Tanda (16039’ 30” N: 77014’ 05” E)

The body trending NNW – SSE direction measures about 270m in length and 100m in width, which occurs as highly
EO
weathered yellow ground, below 1m top soil and nodular calcrete. The light yellowish green clayey material shows
serpentinised olivine, phlogopite, Cr – diopside and opaque grains.
G
Pipe BK - 6 (Sutar Hosahalli Kimberlite)

Location : 2.5km NNW of Sutar Hosahalli (16052’ 30” N: 77013’ 0”E)
Located on the basis of positive indication obtained from stream sediment samples (SSS). It occurs as a few rounded to
subrounded, highly silicified and carbonated boulders strewn over the soil. Chrome diopside is the most characteristic
mineral.
Placer Diamond
The Geological Survey of India carried out preliminary investigation (UNFC G-4) for placer diamonds in Raichur district
covering about 200 sq km area in Bhima – Krishna River basins, but failed to locate either diamonds or kimberlite
indicator minerals in stream/soil samples. Nelahal Aralibenchi, Jagarkal and Hospet areas near Raichur were examined by
GSI for the possible occurrence of diamonds but were not successful. The Hagari basin area in Bellary district was also
searched for diamond occurrences.
136
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Geological Survey of India

© India, Geological Survey (2011)

Export Scenario of Diamond

Primary Host Rock

Secondary Host Rock

Chapter - 1 CENTRAL INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (CIDP) 45 - 63

Diamond exploration in the state of Orissa

Diamond exploration in the state of Jharkhand

Chapter - 3 SOUTHERN INDIAN DIAMOND PROVINCE (SIDP) 85 - 136

General Information on Diamond

are also used in astronomy, experiemental physics and electronics.

Commercial Grade and Specification

Table 1.1 : Colour Scale used by Gemmological Institute of America

M-N Slightly yellowish

O-R Tinted yellowish

Table 1.2 : Clarity Scale of diamond

Clarity Scale Grade

Table 1.3 : Scale of weight for diamond

carats (Mct) in situ are Jwaneng, Udachnaya (Russia) and Argyle.

Emplacement ages of kimberlites/lamproites

(iii) Between ~410 and 370 Ma – Siberia and USA.

(iv) Around ~200 Ma Botswana, Canada, Swaziland and Tanjania.

(vi) Around 50 Ma – Canada and Tanjania.

(vii) ~22 Ma – minor intrusions in the Ellendale field NW Australia.

Table 3.1 : Resources of World Diamond (Industrial)

Republic of South Africa 150

Other Countries 210

World Total 1300

Source : Mineral Commodity Summaries, 2008

Diamond Resources of India

Table 3.2 : Reserves/Resources of Diamond as on 01.04.2005 (By Grades & States)

State Reserves Remaining Resources

Source: Indian Mineral Year Book, 2008

Economic Value of Kimberlite Diamond Deposits

Canada 12614 13234 17007

Zaire 33055 28990 28454

Guinea 549 474 1019

Namibia 1902 2356 2266

Russia 38001 38361 38291

Sierra Leone 669 582 604

Other countries 3021 4015 3701

World Total 176000 176900 170000

Table 4.2 : Producion of Diamond, 2005-06 to 2007-08

State 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

India 44170 233710 2180 14683 586 5701

Madhya Pradesh 44170 233710 2180 14683 586 5701

Source: IBM,Year Book 2008

India/ 2 722 1458 2180 14683 2 222 364 586 5701

Madhya 2 722 1458 2180 14683 2 222 364 586 5701

Export Scenario of Diamond

Table 4.4 : Country wise export value of Diamond

Hong Kong 7405,75,18 148100864 188936441

Table 4.5 : Country wise exports of various grades of diamond in 2007-08

Country Industrial (Carat) Cut diamond (Carat) Diamond Powder (carat)

Belgium 127560 14581439 8006

USA 43957 7321326 3625

Ireland 11495 6998774 3317

China 12260 2096031 2193

Generalized Model of Kimberlite & Lamproite Intrusions