Multi-stage kimberlite evolution tracked in zoned olivine from the Benfontein sill, South Africa

We present a step-by-step model for kimberlite magma genesis and evolution from mantle to crust tracked by the chemistry of olivines in the Benfontein kimberlite. These steps include early stages of metasomatism and mantle assimilation followed by direct crystallisation of the kimberlite melt and late-stage equilibration with the evolved carbonatitic residual liquids. The Ca contents of the Type 1 xenocrystic olivines are the highest yet measured for mantle olivines, and do not overlap with any known mantle xenolith lithologies. These olivines likely represent an important stage of metasomatism directly related to the early stages of kimberlite melt ponding at the base of the lithospheric mantle.