kimberlite

noun

kim·​ber·​lite ˈkim-bər-ˌlīt 

: an agglomerate biotite-peridotite that occurs in pipes especially in southern Africa and that often contains diamonds

Examples of kimberlite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

De Beers purchases the diamonds specifically from artisanal miners in Kono, Sierra Leone, which is located close to a rich kimberlite pipe. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

Taking in the scene, star gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin admired the décor–which incorporated a wall of kimberlite, the host rock for natural diamonds—as well as one-of-a-kind art works on display. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

These magmas, such as kimberlites, are responsible for bringing diamonds to the surface. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025

Those clues led Gernon to propose last year that kimberlite eruptions are triggered by long, slow mantle waves rippling inward from continental edges. — Byhannah Richter, science.org, 7 Aug. 2024

The confluence of these factors create diamond-bearing kimberlite magma. — Justin Ray, Robb Report, 28 July 2023

One idea posits that the deep plumes of rising, hot mantle that may drive continental breakup could also fuel kimberlite formation. — Maya Wei-Haas, New York Times, 26 July 2023

Rhyolitic tuff weren't the only product either - there are kimberlites that erupted on the Colorado Plateau as well. — Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2010

Word History

Etymology

Kimberley, South Africa + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kimberlite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite