
Dolomite
CaMg(CO₃)₂
Description
Dolomite is a mineral that can refer to the rock or to the mineral itself, containing calcium magnesium carbonate.
Chemical composition
Chemical formula
CaMg(CO₃)₂
Classification
carbonatos
Crystal system
rhomboédrico
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Density
2.85 g/cm³
Mohs Scale — 3.5/10
Referencia: Fluorita
Color
White, Pink, Gray
Usos
Uso cotidiano
Dolomite is used as a calcium and magnesium supplement in animal feed, in the manufacture of cosmetics, and as an ingredient in some medicines.
Uso industrial
In industry, dolomite is used in cement production, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, and as aggregate in construction.
Similar minerals
Compare species
| Properties | Dolomite | Calcite | Limestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CaMg(CO₃)₂ | CaCO₃ | CaCO₃ |
| Classification | Carbonates | Carbonates | Carbonato |
| Crystal system | rhomboédrico | trigonal | Trigonal |
| Hardness | 3.5 | 3 | 3 |
| Density | 2.85 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous | Dull to slightly shiny |
| Streak | White | White | White |
| Cleavage | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Transparency | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Similar minerals: Calcite · Limestone
Derivatives and uses
Dolostone
Geographic distribution
Extraction countries: Estados Unidos, Italia, Francia, Brasil
Galería de la comunidad
Periodic table
Contains elements: Ca · Mg · C · O
Carbon
#6 · Nonmetals