For centuries Andhra Pradesh has been historically renowned for its diamond-rich terrains. Now the defunct Kollur mines in the delta of Krishna rive of Guntur district produced in the past many famous diamonds in the world. Local legends and historical records suggest that many legendary diamonds, including some possibly from the Golconda region, may have originated in these terrains.
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| Diamond shows Andhra indiatimes.com |
Andhra still continues to hold geological promise in regions such as Toggali, Vijrakarur, Maderra, and Jangiri, all located in the Anantapur district and its surroundings. These areas lie within the Eastern Dharwar Craton, which hosts the ancient kimberlite and lamproite pipes — primary sources of diamonds.
The Vajrakarur kimberlite field (VKF), named after the village of Vijrakarur, has been studied since the colonial period, with renewed interest from the Geological Survey of India and mineral exploration agencies. The nearby Toggali, Maderra, and Jangiri areas also are known to have diamond showings, characterized by the presence of indicator minerals such as garnet, ilmenite, chromite, and pyroxene, suggesting the likelihood of diamond-bearing rocks beneath the surface. They sometimes stand exposed to the soil after heavy monsonn rains.
Although commercial mining has not yet reached significant scale here, exploratory sampling and geophysical studies have confirmed the potential of these sites.
As exploration technology improves and interest in indigenous mineral wealth increases, these quiet villages may well become important nodes in India’s future diamond production story — echoing the past glory of South India’s diamond trade that once dazzled the world.
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Above image: Shatbuji diamond is a rare hexagonal diamond found on the banks of Krishna river near Settanapalli in Palnadu disrtrict in Andhra state. Though more valuable, traders came forward with an offer of Rs. 40 lakh for it.........
1. Recent Surges in Diamond Hunter Activity (2025 Monsoon Season)
Andhra's Monsoon diamond rush .indiatimes.com
During the 2025 monsoon after heavy down pour , areas like Vajrakarur, Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Maddikera witnessed a massive influx of diamond hunters, including local farmers and opportunists, scavenging fields in search of diamonds. Casual diamond sales—sometimes valued at Rs.3 to Rs.4 crore in aggregate per season—are reported, with individual finds rumored as high as Rs.5 crore worth of rough stones. These recorded accounts suggest ongoing a recovery of diamonds from the alluvial (placer) soil washed out from kimberlite terrains during heavy rains.
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| .Diamond rush in Kurnool Dist. indiatimes.com/ |
Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) Updates:
A 2025 geological journal article highlights that gravity and magnetic surveys have refined mapping of subsurface structures beneath WKF. These features—fault intersections, doming zones between the Closepet Granite and Cuddapah Basin—are now linked to kimberlite pipe emplacement zones at depths of ~3–4 km. The distribution patterns help target future drilling efforts, enhancing understanding of diamond site localization.
Lamprophyre and Kimberlite Mineralogical Insights:
Studies on shoshonitic lamprophyre dykes at Sivarampeta (part of WKF) show they derive from garnet-bearing enriched lithospheric mantle sources distinct from classical kimberlites—highlighting mantle heterogeneity within the Eastern Dharwar Craton. These lamprophyres share geochemical traits of both calc-alkaline and alkaline suites (Domain II types), suggesting complex magmatic events that may or may not correlate with diamond potential.
3. New Pipe Discoveries & Geochemical Potential:
A new kimberlite pipe near Balkamthota Vanka, Pennahobilam (Anantapur district) was confirmed—bringing the total identified pipes in WKF to 48. Preliminary data indicates this pipe is Group I-type but shows mixed geochemical features; however, its diamond potential appears limited based on initial sampling. Comprehensive studies evaluating the larger WKF complex (like in Lattavaram and Anumpalli clusters) revealed that many pipes have low TiO₂ content, corresponding to higher diamond grade scores, with some DG > 8. These compare well with known productive fields like Panna in central India
Implications for Toggali, Vijrakarur, Maderra & Jonnagiri:
These villages lie within or adjacent to the Eastern Dharwar Craton, which harbors the WKF itself—suggesting that alluvial diamonds are eroded from upstream kimberlite sources and deposited across fields during rains. The widespread monsoonal diamond recovery fits well with geomorphology and known subsurface kimberlite pipe locations. Continued geophysical and geochemical mapping is sharpening the prospectively of these regions for both exploration and potential future resource development.
Summary Table
| Area | Recent Observations | Diamond Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tuggali / Jonnagiri / Maddikera | Rain-fed alluvial diamond finds, seasonal rush, informal field recovery | High local surface indications; source upstream |
| Vajrakarur (VKF region) | New kimberlite pipe discoveries, detailed geophysics identifying favorable zones | Moderate to high (based on DG index, low Ti) |
| Peripheral lamprophyres (Sivarampeta) | Mineralogical study shows lithospheric mantle heterogeneity | Geological interest, but diamond potential unclea |
In Summary
Recent monsoon-driven diamond discoveries continue to attract informal digging in Toggali, Jonnagiri, and Maddikera. Meanwhile, geological and geochemical research in the Vajrakarur area is refining our understanding of kimberlite pipe distribution, mantle source variation, and diamond potential of the region—laying groundwork for possible structured exploration or future mining ventures.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/inside-andhras-monsoon-diamond-rush-farmers-fortune-seekers-and-rs-5-crore-finds/articleshow/122992945.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jmps/115/2/115_191004b/_article?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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