Ancient Diamond Holds Secret to Water in Earth's Mantle

Topic: Earth Science

Brazilian researchers found evidence of water-bearing mineral goethite inside a tiny diamond. This discovery helps us understand how water reaches deep into the Earth.

A team of Brazilian scientists discovered something amazing inside an ancient diamond, just 3 millimeters long. They found evidence that goethite, a mineral responsible for brown soil color, can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures all the way to the planet's interior. Goethite forms in soil and on the ocean floor from iron-rich minerals with water present.

This study is important because it suggests that goethite may transport and release water into the lower mantle, a region of hot rocks below the Earth's surface. Previous studies showed that water can reach the upper mantle, but not this deep. The researchers used a diamond donated by a gold miners' cooperative in Brazil.

These super-deep diamonds have little value as jewelry due to their irregular appearance and mineral inclusions. But for geologists, these inclusions are like time capsules, preserving evidence of Earth's conditions hundreds of millions of years ago. This study is the first conducted entirely by a Brazilian team using Brazilian instruments.

Why It Matters

This discovery can help us understand how water cycles through the Earth and affects our climate. It also shows that Indian scientists can make significant contributions to global scientific research.

Key Facts

• Brazilian researchers found evidence of goethite inside a tiny diamond, just 3 millimeters long.
• Goethite forms in soil and on the ocean floor from iron-rich minerals with water present.
• The study suggests that goethite may transport and release water into the lower mantle.
• Previous studies showed that water can reach the upper mantle, but not this deep.
• The researchers used a diamond donated by a gold miners' cooperative in Brazil.

Key Terms

Goethite

A mineral responsible for brown soil color, formed from iron-rich minerals with water present.

Lower mantle

A region of hot rocks below the Earth's surface, extending to 2,900 km depth.

Implications

This discovery can help us understand how water cycles through the Earth and affects our climate. It also shows that Indian scientists can make significant contributions to global scientific research.