Graduated from the Lomonosov State University in 1959. Since then, specialized in petrology and geochemistry of kimberlites, alkaline and ultramafic rocks, mineralogy of diamond and indicator minerals. Worked as field geologist and research scientist in Russia (1959–1993; 2018–now) and in diamond exploration in Canada (1993–2018). Performed exploration for diamonds in all major diamond provinces. Discovered several kimberlite pipes in Siberia, first diamonds in Arkhangelsk, first kimberlite in Ontario, new diamondiferous kimberlites in South America. Discovered diamonds in non-kimberlitic rocks in Russia, Armenia, and Mongolia. Studied the geology, composition, and genesis of diamond deposits and developed a system of forecasting and prospecting for primary diamond deposits based upon models of kimberlite/lamproite fields and zones. Performed comprehensive research of diamonds from major localities and created a technique for diamond fingerprinting from different types of primary sources and from different deposit types. Carried out a detailed study of polycrystalline diamonds (carbonado, ballas, boart) and created models of their origin. Discovered and studied lower-mantle mineral inclusions in diamonds from the Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Published several books, including "Geochemistry of Kimberlites" (1978), "Diamond Potential of Non-kimberlitic rocks" (1984), "The Earth's Lower Mantle: Composition and Structure" (2017), and over 200 peer-reviewed articles.