Elliott County Kimberlite, Kimberlite geological formation in northeastern Kentucky, United States.
Elliott County Kimberlite is a geological formation in northeastern Kentucky composed of three elongated bodies of dark-green peridotite rock. The formation spans roughly one square kilometer and contains minerals such as olivine, phlogopite, pyrope, and ilmenite distributed throughout the intrusive bodies.
Albert R. Crandall identified this geological formation in 1884, before similar kimberlite rocks were recognized near Kimberley in South Africa. The discovery contributed to early understanding of these unusual magmatic structures found in North America.
The site attracts geologists and mineral collectors who study its composition of serpentinized olivine, phlogopite, pyrope, calcite, and magnesian ilmenite.
Access to the site requires permission because portions may be on private land and are not freely accessible. Visitors should check in advance about conditions and whether viewing the formation is permitted.
The rock weathers extensively, penetrating up to 50 feet (15 meters) into the ground where it transforms into yellowish-brown saprolite. Garnet fragments appear scattered within this weathered zone, marking the advanced age of the formation.
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