Which mechanism uses diamond's affinity for grease to separate diamonds from other minerals?

• A. Microdiamond Testing
• B. Grease Belt
• C. Indicator Minerals
• D. Cave Mining

Answer: (B)

The mechanism relies on diamond's affinity for grease to separate diamonds from other minerals. In a grease belt, ore slurry passes over a belt coated with oil or grease; diamonds, being relatively hydrophobic and having a surface that sticks to oily substances, adhere to the grease while many other minerals are washed away. This physical property—surface interaction with grease—allows diamonds to be collected from the mixture, independent of their density. Microdiamond testing is a microscopic verification method, indicator minerals are guide minerals used to locate diamond-bearing rocks, and cave mining is a mining method; none use the grease-affinity separation, which is why this option is the correct mechanism.