Diamonds formed in cratons

The conditions for diamond formation to happen in the lithospheric mantle occur at large depth corresponding to the aforementioned requirements of temperature and pressure. These depths are estimated to be in between 140–190 kilometers (90–120 miles) though rarely diamonds have crystallized at depths of 300-400 km (180-250 miles) as well. The rate at which temperature changes with rising depth into the Earth varies greatly in different parts of the Earth. In particular, under oceanic plates the temperature rises more rapidly with depth, beyond the range required for diamond formation at the depth required. The correct mixture of temperature and pressure is only found in the thick, ancient, and stable parts of continental plates where regions of lithosphere known as cratons exist. Long residence in the cratonic lithosphere allows diamond crystals to develop larger.