Baffin Island
Scientists discovered a previously unknown fragment of an ancient continent in the Chidliak Kimberlite Province in southern parts of Baffin Island.
Baffin Island
Baffin Island is a part of Canada’s territory in the Arctic Ocean. It is the largest island in Canada and the 5th largest island in the world. The island is separated from the mainland by the Hudson Strait. The newly discovered craton fragment (continental fragment) was once a part of the North Atlantic craton.
Chidliak Kimberlite Province
The fragment was discovered at the Chidliak Kimberlite Provice, located in the Hall Peninsula in southern part of the Baffin Island. Gem quality diamonds are being obtained from the kimberlite in this region. Diamond is being mined from this province by the famous De Beers Group.
Kimberlite
The mineral signature in the kimberlite rock samples led to the recent discovery. Kimberlite is a type of igneous rock that is known to contain diamonds. They were formed millions of years ago in the subterranean zone, 150 to 400 km from the surface.
