Geology of the BK9 kimberlite (Damtshaa,Botswana): implications for the formation of dark volcaniclastic kimberlite |
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Authors: | B Buse R S J Sparks M Field J C Schumacher K Chisi T Tlhaodi |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK;(2) DiaKim Consulting Limited, Wookey Hole, Wells, UK;(3) Geology Department, Debswana Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines, Orapa, Botswana |
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Abstract: | The BK9 kimberlite consists of three overlapping pipes. It contains two dark varieties of massive volcaniclastic kimberlite,
informally termed dark volcaniclastic kimberlite (DVK). DVK(ns) is present in the north and south pipes and is interbedded
with lenses of basalt breccia at the margins of the pipes. DVK(c) is present within the central pipe where it is overlain
by a sequence of basalt breccias with interbedded volcanogenic sediments. The features observed within the DVK units of the
BK9 kimberlite provide strong evidence for gas fluidisation of the accumulating pyroclastic material. These include the massive
interior of the pipes, marginal epiclastic units, well-dispersed country-rock xenoliths and small-scale heterogeneities in
lithic clast abundance. The upper portions of the central pipe provide a record of the transition from pyroclastic eruption
and infill to passive epiclastic infilling of the crater, after the eruption has ceased. The wall-rock of the BK9 kimberlite
dips inwards and is interpreted as post pipe-fill subsidence of the adjacent country rock. The two DVK units contain interstitial,
silt-sized pyroclasts. The DVK(ns) has a higher fraction of former melt and displays evidence of incipient welding, as a result
of differences in eruption dynamics. These units demonstrate that whilst DVK is comparable in many respects to MVK and forms
part of a spectrum of volcaniclastic rocks formed by fluidisation, it differs in frequently containing silt-sized particles
and including agglutinated and welded varieties with a high melt fraction. The DVK varieties, studied here, also have a distinctive
hydrothermal assemblage, resulting from the abundance of low-silica accidental lithic clasts. Both the hydrothermal alteration
and the abundance of silt-sized particles contribute to the DVKs distinctive dark colour. |
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