Earth Sciences Report 2002-07

Petrographic Characteristics of Selected Kimberlitic Rocks in Northern Alberta

Authors: Eccles, D.R.

Executive Summary

This report investigates the petrogenesis of kimberlite in Alberta. Five kimberlite pipes in the northern Alberta kimberlite province were selected for detailed petrography: K4 and K6 from the Buffalo Head Hills and Legend, Phoenix and Kendu from the Birch Mountains.

The main objective is to complement and expand upon the whole-rock geochemistry with optical mineralogical observations of selected pipes. A petrographic-geochemical comparison shows identification of the primary mineral assemblage, together with whole-rock geochemical interpretation, that uses both major and trace elements. This provides a complementary tool to classify Alberta kimberlitic rocks.

Place Keywords: 83n; 83o; 83p; 84a; 84b; 84c; 84f; 84g; 84h; alberta; birch mountains; buffalo head hills; canada; kendu; phoenix

Theme Keywords: diamond; digital data; geochemistry; geology; kimberlite; petrography; rocks