Is Kimberlite Magnetic? Facts That You Should Know!

Kimberlite is an igneous rock with diamonds formed at great depths inside the crust in kimberlitic magma. In this article, we shall discuss the magnetic properties of Kimberlite.

Kimberlite is magnetic and shows ferromagnetic characteristics. It is easily attracted to the magnet. It is composed of olivine with minerals like mica, calcite, and serpentine rich in magnesium, iron, and silicate minerals. Kimberlite rock has some traces of magnetite that exhibits a strong magnetic field.

Due to the magnetic property of Kimberlite, it is used in steel and pig iron production industries to process iron ore. We shall further talk about the magnetic anomalies of Kimberlite, its properties, and the details facts about the magnetic behaviour of Kimberlite, even being an ultrabasic igneous rock.

Why is kimberlite magnetic?

Kimberlite is a volcanic igneous rock with less silica concentration and high magnesium content. Let us ponder on the reason behind what makes kimberlite magnetic.

Kimberlite is magnetic because it is formed from magnesium and iron-rich magma with high magnetic dipole density. Iron is ferromagnetic, and Mg holds paramagnetic characteristics. Magnetite is rich in Fe and is formed in this ultra-basic Kimberlitic magma, and kimberlite has some traces of magnetite.

Kimberlites Magnetic Anomalies

Magnetic anomaly is the variations in the alignment of the magnetic dipoles with varying external magnetic fields. Let us talk about the kimberlite magnetic anomalies in brief.

Kimberlite has a circular magnetic anomaly at high latitudes, an asymmetric anomaly at low latitudes, and a negative anomaly at the Earth’s equator. It depends on the magnetization at that locality and Earth’s external magnetic field intensity. The magnetic field strength is high at the pole and low at the equator.

Kimberlite 2
Kimberlite Image by Tillman (CC BY 2.0) from Wikimedia Commons

Kimberlites Properties

There are several factors responsible for the magnetic behaviour of the kimberlite. Let us list some kimberlite properties that make it unique from other rocks and matter.

  • Kimberlite is an intrusive ultra-basic volcanic rock found in dikes and cracks.
  • Kimberlite’s magnetic susceptibility is between 0.19-52.7 × 10-3.
  • Kimberlite has a density of 2.95 g/cm3 with CO2 and H2O.
  • The hardness of Kimberlite is 6-7 on the Mohs scale.
  • Kimberlite’s magnetic permeability varies based on its composition.

Magnetic Permeability Kimberlite Rock

Magnetic permeability is the capacity of rock matter to allow the magnetic field lines to pass through it. Let us discuss the magnetic permeability of kimberlite rock.

The magnetic permeability of kimberlite varies from 100-5000 H/m. It depends upon the chemical composition and concentration of irons in the kimberlite rock matter. The percentage of Fe, Mg, Silicate matter, and calcite varies; hence, the magnetic dipoles in the rock matter have disparate values.

Conclusion

We can conclude from this article that kimberlite is magnetic and shows ferromagnetic behaviour due to the presence of magnetite traces rich in iron. The chemical composition of kimberlite rock found at different places vary depending on the concentrations of Fe and Mg in magma.

Read more about Do Acids Conduct Electricity?

Read more about Does Titanium Conduct Electricity?

Read more about Does Cobalt Conduct Electricity?

Read more about Is Iron Magnetic?

Read more about Is Kimberlite Magnetic?

Read more about Is Ink Magnetic?

Read more about Is Jupiter Magnetic?

Read more about Is Kevlar Magnetic?

Read more about  Is Graphene & Graphene Oxide Magnetic?

Also Read: