BGS Rock Classification Scheme
Kimberlite - A type of exotic crystalline igneous rock. Kimberlites are currently divided into two groups. Group-1-kimberlite corresponds to archetypal rocks from Kimberley, South Africa that formerly were termed basaltic kimberlites. Group-2-kimberlite corresponds to micaceous or lamprophyric kimberlites. Recent studies have demonstrated that these two groups are mineralogically different and petrogenetically separate rock types. British Geological Survey Research Report RR/99/06, section 6.4.
| Code | KMB |
|---|---|
| Description | Kimberlite - A type of exotic crystalline igneous rock. Kimberlites are currently divided into two groups. Group-1-kimberlite corresponds to archetypal rocks from Kimberley, South Africa that formerly were termed basaltic kimberlites. Group-2-kimberlite corresponds to micaceous or lamprophyric kimberlites. Recent studies have demonstrated that these two groups are mineralogically different and petrogenetically separate rock types. British Geological Survey Research Report RR/99/06, section 6.4. |
| Qualifiers | No qualifiers currently exist. |
| Definition | Volatile rich (CO2) potassic exotic intrusive rock; macro/megacrysts of +/- ol/ilmenite/pyrope/enstat/chrom in fine-grained av.<0.25mm matrix of montecell/phlog/perovsk/spinel/epidote/serp/sulphides/rut, +/- 2nd ol/cal/magnet/serpentine, no primary diop |
| Linked data | http://data.bgs.ac.uk/id/EarthMaterialClass/RockName/KMB |
CAVEAT
"Thumbnail" definitions attached to some of the table entries are an interim attempt to provide simple short descriptions of the "unqualified" rock types presented within the BGS Rock Classification Scheme. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and consistency but minor contradictions or omissions might be present. The BGS welcomes any feedback pointing out such minor imperfections and/or providing constructive comment and suggestions for improvement of the definitions. In the first instance such feedback should be directed to Dr Tim McCormick.