Dr. Fedortchouk's research focuses on diamonds and kimberlites, the most deep-seated magmas that form primary deposits of diamonds. The origin of kimberlites is linked to processes in the deep mantle. Kimberlites transport diamonds from the Earths mantle to the surface and partially dissolve them during the ascent. The dissolution impacts the commercial value of diamonds. Volatile-rich nature of kimberlites plays an important role in diamond dissolution. Research combines experimental studies of diamond dissolution in high-pressure-high-temperature experiments with detailed study of natural diamond parcels in order to understand the mechanism of diamond dissolution, its relationship with the conditions in kimberlite magma. Using surface dissolution features on diamonds we learn about the composition and behavior of volatiles in kimberlite magmas, presence of free fluid phase, and their impact on the eruption style of kimberlites. I work on development of criteria allowing distinguishing diamond resorption happening in kimberlite magma from the resorption inherited from the mantle. The latter allows to examine the processes in the subcratonic mantle which may lead to diamond crystallization and dissolution. This research helps to address important industrial questions of diamond preservation. The work is done in close collaboration with DeBeers Exploration and other other diamond mining companies.
Students work on a range of topics related to crystallization conditions and volatile behavior in kimberlite magmas, including understanding diamond resorption and conditions of mantle metasomatism in deep diamond sources. They learn a variety of analytical and experimental techniques.