Kimberlites are the main sources of diamonds. In field geophysics kimberlite pipes are characterized by anomalies of low resistivity. However, the reason for high electrical conductivity is not clear. We have carried out multisalinity experiments with two kimberlite samples (autolitic and xenotuffisitic breccia) from Arkhangelsk region (Lomonosova Deposit). Samples were saturated with brines of different electrical conductivity values (from 0.01 to 3.77 S/m). Complex electrical conductivity was measured with SIP FUCHS-III instrument in the frequency range from 1.43 mHz to 20 kHz. We found the bulk conductivity of sample is larger than that of the pore water (at the brine electrical conductivity range typical for fresh water). The quadrature conductivity values at 1.46 Hz are larger than that typically obtained for e.g., magmatic rocks and sandstones. We attribute this complex conductivity behavior to the surface conductivity influence. Furthermore, our kimberlite samples have a high values of cation-exchange capacity (CEC). It can be explained by the presence of smectites in mineral composition.

Translated title of the contributionSurface conductivity and induced polarization of kimberlite
Original languageRussian
Title of host publicationEngineering and Mining Geophysics 2020
PublisherEuropean Association of Geoscientists and Engineers
Pages1-6
ISBN (Electronic)9789462823402
DOIs
StatePublished - 14 Sep 2020
EventEngineering and Mining Geophysics 2020 - Perm, Russian Federation
Duration: 14 Sep 202018 Sep 2020

Publication series

NameEngineering and Mining Geophysics 2020

Conference

ConferenceEngineering and Mining Geophysics 2020
Country/TerritoryRussian Federation
CityPerm
Period14/09/2018/09/20

    Scopus subject areas

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics

ID: 74982592