AllMineralsRock
Dolomite
Dolomite is a popular mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. [1]
Dolomite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Dolomite:- Transparency: Dolomite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, dolomite can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, dolomite can be pearly or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Dolomite streaks white.
- Hardness: Dolomite's hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Dolomite's specific gravity ranges from 2.85 to 2.93.
Dolomite: Background and Summary
Dolomite is a mineral that is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2). It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks and can be identified by its white, pink, or gray color and its rhombohedral crystal structure. Dolomite is often found alongside other minerals such as calcite, quartz, and feldspar.One of the main uses of dolomite is as a source of magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body and is used in a variety of industrial applications. Dolomite is also used as a soil conditioner, as it can help to increase the pH of acidic soils and improve the availability of nutrients to plants. In addition, dolomite is used in the production of glass and ceramics, as well as in the construction industry as a building material.
Dolomite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Dolomite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium magnesium carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.85, 2.93, 2.93, 3.1 |
| Hardness | 3.5, 4 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.5, 1.75 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: tan, pink, brown, yellow sometimes: red, blue, gray, pale, black, green, peach, white, orange, colorless |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Dolomite: FAQ
Q: Is dolomite safe to handle?A: Dolomite is generally considered safe to handle, although it can irritate the skin and eyes if it comes into contact with them. It is important to wear protective clothing and eyewear when handling dolomite.
Q: Is dolomite radioactive?
A: No, dolomite is not radioactive.
Q: Can dolomite be used in water treatment?
A: Yes, dolomite can be used in water treatment to reduce the acidity of water and improve its quality.
Q: Is dolomite expensive?
A: The cost of dolomite can vary depending on the source and the amount needed, but it is generally considered to be an affordable mineral.
Sources
- "Dolomite Mineral Data." Webmineral.com. Accessed June 17, 2021. https://www.webmineral.com/data/Dolomite.shtml.- "Dolomite." Geology.com. Accessed June 17, 2021. https://geology.com/minerals/dolomite.shtml.
- Dolomite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomite_(mineral)
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