Insights into kimberlite petrogenesis and mantle metasomatism from a review of the compositional zoning of olivine in kimberlites worldwide

Olivine grains represent unique capsules that provide a potentially complete record of the evolution of kimberlite systems. Olivine cores store information on the mantle column entrained by kimberlites, including clues to early kimberlite metasomatism. Internal zones can show the effects of mantle metasomatism and/or record early kimberlite crystallisation at mantle depths. Rims (and rinds) testify to the complex interplay of different processes during ascent and emplacement of kimberlite magmas.