Kimberlite Indicator Minerals

Kimberlite indicator Minerals (KIM) processing is available on till and rock samples.

The processing of samples is clearly defined through a process flowchart, depending on the requirements of the customer.

Method Summary

Upon receipt, the sample is sieved into separate size fractions:

• +1.00mm
• -1.00mm +0.500mm
• -0.500mm-0.250mm

Afterwards, the size fractions are then separated into magnetic and nonmagnetic using a permroll: the –1.00mm +0.500 mm and the –0.500mm +0.250 mm  fractions are dried and then permrolled.

Heavy Liquid Processing

After, permrolled samples are further processed through Lithium Heteropolytungstate (LST) and Methylene Iodide (MI). All LST sinks with a specific gravity (SG) of  >2.96 are carried to the next stage. All MI sinks with a SG of 3.23 or 3.3 (depending on processing requirements) are then sent for further magnetic separation. The sample is then separated into upper and lower magnetic fractions using a Frantz. The remaining fractions are then observed under microscope for kimberlite indicator minerals.

Observation

The observation requirements are based on each customer’s needs. Generally the minerals that are observed are  peridotitic pyropes, eclogitic pyropes, olivines, chrome diopside, chromite and Mg-illmenite. We also identify  background minerals associated with gold and base metals. At least 10% of each group has a second pass  observation verification. All results are reviewed by the laboratory supervisor before reporting.

Fee Schedule

For further information:

Contact the laboratory (geolab@src.sk.ca)

Or

Kimberlite Indicator Minerals (KIM) Laboratory Supervisor

Cristiana Mircea

E-mail: mircea@src.sk.ca