A short description of the mineral dolomite

2.  This is a sedimentary rock similar to limestone. It can also be known as
"dolostone" or "dolomite rock.“
 Dolomite is primarily composed of the mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO₃)₂. It is found
in sedimentary basins worldwide. It is thought to form by the post-depositional
alteration of lime mud and limestone by magnesium-rich groundwater.
 Dolomite and limestone are very similar rocks. They share the same color ranges
of white-to gray and white-to-light brown (although other colors such as red,
green, and black are possible).
 They are approximately the same hardness, and they are both soluble in dilute
hydrochloric acid. They are both crushed and cut for use as construction materials
and used for their ability to neutralize acids.

3.  Dolomite color ranges from white-to gray and white-to-light brown, other colors
such as red, green, and black are possible.

4.  Dolomite originates in the same sedimentary environments as limestone - warm,
shallow, marine environments where calcium carbonate mud accumulates in the
form of shell debris, fecal material, coral fragments, and carbonate precipitates.
 Dolomite is thought to form when the calcite (CaCO₃) in carbonate mud or
limestone is modified by magnesium-rich groundwater. The available magnesium
facilitates the conversion of calcite into dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂). This chemical
change is known as "dolomitization."
 Dolomitization can completely alter a limestone into a dolomite, or it can partially
alter the rock to form a "dolomitic limestone."

5.  A. According to carbonate content.
oLimestone – 0.1% dolomite.
oDolomitic limestone – 10-50%
oCalcitic limestone – 50-90%
oDolomite – 90-100%
 B. according to grain size.
o dolorudite, dolarenite, dolosparite, dolomicrite.
 C. can use folk or dunham modifiers:
oDolomitic biosparite or dolobiosparite.

6.  Color – It’s a the general appearance to the eye (white-to gray and white-to-
light brown).
 Streak – Color of a rock in a powdered form (white).
 Luster – Appearance of a rock when light is reflected from its surface
(vitreous, pearly)
 Cleavage – the way the rock breaks is determined by the arrangement of its
atoms and the strength of the chemical bond holding it together .
 Diaphaneity – transparent to translucent. This how light passes through the
rock.
 Hardness – ability of a rock to resist scratching by another rock.
 Tenacity – a resist a rock a offers to breaking, crushing, bending, tearing or
deforming.
 Crystal form – ability of a rock to develop its natural shape (hexagonal)

7.  Construction aggregate – dolomite has a low water demand allowing
for cement saving in concrete application. It can also be used as road
base material.
 Cement manufacture – dolomite is similar to limestone
 In agriculture – dolomite fertilizer balances soil pH while adding
much needed magnesium nutrients which improves the quality and
yield of the crop.
 Manufacture of steel – Used as slag flux for the removal of
impurities.
 Its used as a pigment in paints.
 Its also used in the making of bricks.
 Serves as a host rock for many lead, zinc and copper deposits.

8.  Dolomite is a major carbonate mineral generally formed from the replacement of
Calcium ions with Magnesium ions. It behave as a reservoir for rocks with a wide
variety of uses.

9. https://geology.com/rocks/dolomite.shtml
https://www.vedantu.com/geography/dolomite