Popigai crater, Impact crater and diamond mine in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
The Popigai crater extends across 100 kilometers of northern Siberian terrain, featuring distinct geological formations created through intense meteorite impact processes.
The crater formed during the late Eocene epoch, approximately 35 million years ago, when a large asteroid collided with Earth and transformed local graphite into diamonds.
Scientists and researchers from various disciplines gather at this remote location to study impact geology, mineralogy, and diamond formation processes.
Access to the crater requires special permits and extensive logistical planning due to its position in an isolated area of Siberia with limited transportation infrastructure.
The impact event created specialized diamond deposits containing lonsdaleite, a carbon structure that demonstrates superior hardness compared to conventional diamonds.
Location: Krasnoyarsk Krai
Location: Sakha
GPS coordinates: 71.65000,111.18333
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:22
Meteorite craters mark locations where asteroids collided with Earth. These geological structures range from 110 meters to 300 kilometers in diameter. They often contain distinct minerals like diamonds, nickel, and copper. Scientists use the craters to study Earth's history and cosmic events.
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