Summary of comments on methods used in kimberlite exploration (from Nixon,

1980) :
Method General Remarks
applicability
(xxxx
indispensable;
x of limited
use)
Heavy mineral XXXX Wide variety of ‘indicator’ minerals some of which are fond in
other rocks. Both stream sediment and interfluvial soils
applicable. Wide dispersion by water and wind. Low values near
some in-filled craters. Fairly labour-intensive method.
Geochemistry X Samples easily collected during heavy mineral survey. Nb
characterizes kimberlite and a few other alkaline volcanic. Other
elements, e.g., Cr, Ni, Sr, Ba, may be used if background is
appropriate. Occasional observed change in proportion of some
plant species on pipes may reflect the rock composition, e.g. high
P.
Radioactive X Some kimberlites slightly radioactive, some dykes especially rich
method in phlogopite (K), overburden masks radiation.
Satellite imagery XXX Good for structural analysis; many kimberlites too small to be
observed directly. Easy and cheap to obtain but sophisticated
electronic processing can increase costs. Spectral bands unlikely
to be precisely diagnostic but one particular climatic condition
may ‘fit’ better than others.
Air photography XXXX Scale of 1:30000 recommended. Basic tool for studying structural
etc environment of kimberlite and identification of intrusions,
particularly dykes. Fracture analysis may be of little additional
assistance in poorly-exposed areas.
Airborne XXX? Requires rigorous preliminary field reflectance studies over
multispectral known intrusions under specified climatic conditions to obtain a
scanning significant spectral signature.
Magnetic ground & XXXX Applicability in areas of low ‘magnetic’ background, e.g.
airborne methods limestones and other sedimentary rocks, granites etc., preferably
in areas with uniform overburden. Reduced anomalies over
sediment-infilled kimberlite craters and weathered kimberlites.
Useful for both dykes and pipes on the ground. Used successfully
in the air, but topographic irregularities may give false anomalies.
Resistivity XX Kimberlites generally conductive compared with host country
rocks and large bodies can be delimited on the ground. Airborne
radiophase methods will theoretically detect such bodies.
Electromagnetic XX Ground measurements useful in defining extent of kimberlite and
shape of dykes. Airborne input EM feasible.
Seismic X Of little use except in oceanographic surveys where reflection
studies are capable of locating pipes.
Gravity XX Bouger profile may be a characteristic negative superimposed on
a large positive anomaly over weathered kimberlite pipes. Useful
for extensions to existing pipes.