5 Key Terms

Question 1

Alluvial deposit

Answer 1

A deposit where gems are eroded from their source rock, then transported away from the source and further concentrated.

Question 2

Bulk sampling

Answer 2

Large-scale character sampling.

Question 3

Character sampling

Answer 3

Testing for the size, shape, clarity, and color of the diamonds in a deposit.

Question 4

Cuttable rough

Answer 4

Diamond rough with good enough size, shape, clarity, and color to produce a polished stone suitable for use in jewelry.

Question 5

Gravity sorting

Answer 5

Separating heavier materials (diamonds) from a test sample.

Question 6

Indicator minerals

Answer 6

Minerals formed together with diamonds at great depths and brought to the surface by the same kimberlites or lamproites.

Question 7

Industrial rough

Answer 7

Diamond rough suitable for use in tools, drills, abrasives, and other industrial applications.

Question 8

Marine deposit

Answer 8

Secondary diamond deposit carried by rivers or streams to the ocean floor or shoreline.

Question 9

Microdiamond testing

Answer 9

Screening for the presence of tiny diamonds in a sample.

Question 10

Ore grade

Answer 10

Concentration of diamond in a potentially mineable deposit.

Question 11

Primary deposit

Answer 11

Gems found in the rock that carried them to the surface.

Question 12

Secondary deposit

Answer 12

Gems found away from their primary source.