Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have demonstrated how “biological fingerprints” in the soil can signal the presence of diamond-bearing kimberlite ore tens of meters below the surface.

The DNA sequencing of microbes represents a new tool for mineral exploration — a tool that’s much less invasive than drilling for samples.
“Drilling is costly, it’s time-consuming, and so you want to really know [what’s there] before you start poking holes in the ground,” Bianca Iulianella Phillips, a doctoral candidate at UBC’s department of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences (EOAS) told CTV News.
Currently, prospectors employ a limited number of tools to locate buried ore, including drilling samples, scanning terrain and analyzing elements in the overlying rock.

“[The DNA] technique was born from a necessity to see through the Earth with greater sensitivity and resolution,” said Iulianella Phillips, “and it has the potential to be used where other techniques aren’t working.”
According to the researchers, when ore interacts with soil, it alters the communities of microbes in the soil, layer by layer, right up to the surface. The researchers tested this in the lab, introducing kimberlite to soil microbes and monitored how they changed in number and species.
“We took those changed communities of microbes as indicators for the presence of ore materials, or biological fingerprints in the soil of buried mineral deposits,” said Iulianella Phillips.

Using these “indicator” microbes and their DNA sequences, the team tested the surface soil at an exploration site in the Northwest Territories where kimberlite had previously been confirmed through drilling. They found 59 of the 65 indicators were present in the soil, with 19 present in high numbers directly above the buried ore. They also identified new indicator microbes to add to their set.
What’s more, they tested the surface soil at a second site in the Northwest Territories where they suspected kimberlite was present, and precisely outlined the location of kimberlite buried tens of meters beneath the surface.
This result verified that indicators from one site could predict the location of kimberlite at another.
In the future, exploration teams might use a database of indicator species to test an unknown site to find out if kimberlite deposits are buried beneath the soil.
The researchers also noted that similar DNA sequencing could be used to identify deposits of copper and other valuable materials.
“Microbes are better geochemists than us, and there are thousands of them,” said lead author Dr. Rachel Simister, who conducted the work as a postdoctoral researcher in the UBC department of microbiology and immunology (M&I). “You might run out of elements to sample, but you’ll never run out of microbes.”
The research was published recently in the journal Nature Communications Earth and Environment.
Credits: Photo of UBC doctoral student Bianca Iulianella Phillips by Alex Walls. Photo of sub-arctic tundra at a kimberlite site in the Northwest Territories by Bianca Iulianella Phillips. Photo of UBC researchers collecting soil samples at a Northwest Territories mine by Crowe Lab.
Every natural diamond tells a story of time, beauty, and love. At Elliott's Jewelers, we cherish the uniqueness of naturally mined diamonds—because your forever deserves nothing less. 💎❤️
Call or text Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Celebrate a Love That Lasts This Valentine’s
The perfect Valentine’s surprise—FREE with a $3,000+ purchase.
Valued at over $350, this exclusive package is available for a limited time!
Don’t miss the chance to make this Valentine’s Day one she’ll never forget. Includes dinner, roses and candy and more.
Learn more about this fantastic package ...https://www.elliottsjewelers.com/celebrate-a-love-that.../
Reserve yours today at www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ with Elliott or call 936-251-6799 ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
We offer only natural real genuine mined diamonds.
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week.
Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A new year, a new chapter. Redesign family treasures or create something fresh. Elliott’s Jewelers offers personal appointments to focus on you.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
We offer only natural real genuine mined diamonds.
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week.
Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We make something unique and special to last a lifetime- Just for you. By appointment 6 days a week. We make one of a kind jewelry she wants to wear. Elliott’s Jewelers is a private jeweler. Schedule your appointment here www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
Naturally Yellow Oval genuine diamonds are surrounded by white natural diamonds set in 14 kt white gold with a total diamond weight of 1.44 carats. The PERFECT Anniversary Ring!
Regular Price $4,500. !!!! SALE Priced: $2,929. !!!!
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week. Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
Call Now
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Elliott’s Jewelers Launches 2nd Annual Jewel Box: A Heart for CASA Campaign ... See MoreSee Less
Elliott’s Jewelers Launches 2nd Annual Jewel Box: A Heart for CASA Campaign
hellohuntsvilletx.com
Support CASA with Elliott’s Jewelers’ Jewel Box campaign. A $40 donation gets you a jewelry gift box. Pick up in Huntsville, TX.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
@followers @topfans
. Now cm. Ejvjv.e. Kd vue gi. Bk o.,..
Thank you for your heart for those in need ❣️
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
We offer only natural real genuine mined diamonds.
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week.
Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
Elliott's Jewelers, Huntsville TX Favorite Jeweler
www.elliottsjewelers.com
I get to create beautiful, memorable and emotional jewelry for customers who become lifelong friends. Call me to learn more.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
✨ Discover the True Meaning of "Private Jeweler" with Elliott's Jewelers. ✨
When you think of private jewelers, do high prices come to mind? At Elliott's Jewelers in Huntsville, TX, we believe exceptional jewelry should be accessible and affordable! 💎
Imagine designing a unique piece crafted just for you—without hidden fees! We work closely with you to create jewelry that fits your style and budget.
Every custom design appointment includes:
🌟 A personal consultation with our skilled designer, Elliott.
A realistic 3D rendering of your design to bring your vision to life.
Accurate, fair pricing, high-quality craftsmanship and much, much, much more.
Would you be ready to start designing your perfect piece?
Please book your for appointment. Available 6 days a week. www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ or call us at 936-661-5363!
Let’s bring your jewelry dreams to life! www.elliottsjewelers.com ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Love my experience Elliott's Jewelers - Huntsville, TX. Elliott is wonderful to work with and is honest and not pushy. I ended up getting 2 rings that I love and will cherish forever.
Truer words were never spoken! Elliott is a pleasure to work with and does an amazing job listening to what you want and boy does he deliver. I will never go anywhere else!
Looking good Elliott!
Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us!
💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/ By appointment 6 days a week.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
Call Now
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
We offer only natural real genuine mined diamonds.
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week.
Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
I been missing you on my FB page