Diamonds in the Apple
Formation?
Claude Dion and Jean Goutier
Direction de Géologie Québec
The discovery of diamond-bearing kimberlite
intrusions in the Baie James region in recent years has triggered
an explosion of exploration activity in this part of Québec’s
Near North. The link between kimberlites and diamond deposits is
an exploration model that has proven its worth both in Québec
and throughout the world. There are however other types of unconventional
diamond deposits that also offer interesting potential, namely diamond-bearing
paleoplacers. The Apple Formation represents a potential host unit
for this type of deposit. The discovery of diamonds in sedimentary
rocks of the Apple Formation would have a considerable impact, both
from an economic (new and easily detectable target for high-quality
diamonds) and a scientific standpoint (evidence of an Archean kimberlitic
intrusive episode in the Superior craton).
Geology
The
paleoplacer model
Apple
Formation and alluvial diamonds – A comparison
References
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