Formation and evolution of hypabyssal kimberlites from the Siberian craton: Part 1 - New insights from cathodoluminescence of the carbonates

We conclude that carbonate minerals play a significant role in the evolution of hypabyssal kimberlites of the Siberian craton. The CL-studies of these minerals provide significant insights into their growth history and help to differentiate different parageneses, as either primary or secondary. Carbonatite xenoliths are of vital significance for the discussion of a possible genetic interrelation of kimberlite and carbonatite melts in the mantle. The present results may serve as a starting point for future studies of these carbonate minerals, using electron-microprobe, micro-PIXE or other high-resolution techniques. Future in-situ oxygen and carbon isotope analyses, as well as inclusions of melt, fluid, and minerals in different carbonate domains, will add essential new data with which to further unravel the genesis of the kimberlite-carbonatite association.