In the 1970s, diamonds were discovered in which country?

In the 1970s, diamonds were discovered in which country?

• A. Canada
• B. Brazil
• C. Russia
• D. Australia

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how and when major diamond discoveries occurred in different regions. In the 1970s, exploration in the Soviet Union intensified, especially in Siberia’s Yakutia region, leading to the discovery of several diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes. Kimberlites are the underground conduits that host most diamond deposits, so finding new ones is the crucial step toward establishing productive mines. This surge of discoveries in Russia during that decade boosted the country’s role in global diamond production and is why Russia is recognized for diamonds being found in that era. While other places did have important finds around that time or later—such as Australia’s late-1970s discovery of the Argyle pipe or Canada’s later diamond finds—the notable wave of discoveries tied to the 1970s is associated with Russia.

The key idea is how and when major diamond discoveries occurred in different regions. In the 1970s, exploration in the Soviet Union intensified, especially in Siberia’s Yakutia region, leading to the discovery of several diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes. Kimberlites are the underground conduits that host most diamond deposits, so finding new ones is the crucial step toward establishing productive mines. This surge of discoveries in Russia during that decade boosted the country’s role in global diamond production and is why Russia is recognized for diamonds being found in that era. While other places did have important finds around that time or later—such as Australia’s late-1970s discovery of the Argyle pipe or Canada’s later diamond finds—the notable wave of discoveries tied to the 1970s is associated with Russia.