Imaging inclusions in diamonds in 3D

摘要

Understanding the conditions and timing of diamond formation can sometimes be aided by the analysis of small scale inclusions contained within the diamond itself. In most cases, it is assumed that the diamond and the inclusion form simultaneously, but in fact the inclusions might form first and then be incorporated within the diamond; or they may form, or be modified, after the formation of the diamond. Cracks developed within a diamond may connect an inclusion to the surface of the diamond, and allow the alteration of the inclusion. Both mineralogical and geochemical data have been used to test the relationship between inclusions and their host diamonds.