Geology and Mineralogy of Gemstones. David Turner R.

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Figure 2.17 Schematic diagram of diamonds hosted in kimberlite pipes that are then eroded to form alluvial deposits. Image from The American Museum of Natural History.

Alluvial deposits are classic secondary deposits (Figure 2.17). They are formed from flowing water, normally in rivers but also in creeks and streams. In these environments, the flowing water will preferentially move lower density material (like quartz and feldspars) rather than higher density material (like corundum and gold). The end result is that the densest material gets “left behind” and is concentrated in bends or hollow depressions in the beds of rivers. These are also called placer deposits and are historically famous for their effective concentration of gold nuggets and diamonds. Given enough time, dense minerals can also reach the ocean and form marine alluvial deposits (e.g., the Namibian marine diamond deposits). The gem placers (alluvial deposits) of Sri Lanka are notable for their significant secondary deposits of gemstones.

      Rocks can also effectively be dissolved and removed over long periods of time without significant erosion from running water. Minerals that are most susceptible to weathering will be dissolved and carried away first, while those that are resistant will be left over in the residual material. These “leftovers” are often called residual or resistant minerals and are concentrated where the original rock source was located. Thus, these so‐called eluvial deposits are best formed in tropical environments where weathering rates are high (e.g., Brazil). Because these deposits have been transported the least distance from their original source, excavation is usually uncomplicated. However, targeting these locations requires knowledge of the underlying geology or luck.

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