kim·ber·lite (k m b r-l t )n. A rock formation in South Africa containing peridotite, in which diamonds are formed. [After Kimberley, a city in central South Africa.] kim ber·litic (-ltk) adj. |
kimberlite [ˈkɪmbəˌlaɪt]
n
(Earth Sciences / Minerals) an intrusive igneous rock generated at great depth in the earth's mantle and consisting largely of olivine and phlogopite. It often contains diamonds
[from Kimberley + -ite1]
| kimberlite (kmbr-lt) A type of peridotite consisting of a fine-grained matrix of calcite and olivine and containing phenocrysts of olivine, garnet, and sometimes diamonds. Kimberlites are found in long, vertical volcanic pipes, especially in South Africa. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | kimberlite - a rare type of peridotite that sometimes contains diamonds; found in South Africa and Siberia peridotite - a dark coarse-grained igneous rock consisting principally of olivine |
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