What is the principle behind dense media separation in diamond mining?

The principle behind dense media separation (DMS) in diamond mining is that diamonds sink to the bottom of a mix of gravels. In this method, a mixture of diamonds and other materials is placed in a fluid that has a density that allows lighter materials to float while heavier materials, like diamonds, sink. As a result, the process efficiently separates diamonds from other minerals, enhancing the recovery rate of diamonds from the ore. This technique takes advantage of the unique physical properties of diamonds compared to the surrounding materials, making it an effective method in diamond mining operations.

The other options focus on various properties of diamonds but do not accurately describe the principle of dense media separation. For example, while it's true that diamonds are considerably denser than many of the materials found in gravel deposits, it's the sinking characteristic that is specifically leveraged in the DMS process. Similarly, the notion that diamonds can dissolve in liquid or conduct electricity does not apply to the selection and separation technique used in mining.