According to a new report, researchers from the University of Tasmania have discovered a volcanic rock under Antarctic ice. They termed this rock as Kimberlite that is known to host diamonds. Although mining is banned in Antarctica and researchers have found no diamonds till date, yet researchers of the study expects the presence of diamonds in the vast, icy continent.

Dr. Greg Yaxley, a UTAS alumnus now at the Australian National University, states features of the Kimberlite and said that they are of great scientific and commercial importance. He said that these mostly derived deep samples of earth's interior are the major hosts of diamonds.

"However, until now, they have been completely unknown from Antarctica presumably reflecting the extensive ice cover, remoteness and harsh climatic conditions for geological mapping", said Dr. Greg.

It has been reported that eruptions of kimberlites were discovered in the northern Prince Charles Mountains of Antarctica. After analyzing the samples of rock gathered in that region, researchers concluded that they belonged to about 120 million-year-old episode of kimberlite volcanism.

Researchers said that although discovery of potential source of diamonds is significantly important, but this novel discovery proves scientifically vital for some or the other reasons.