Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
trigonalcommonCarbonates
Dolomite
CaMg(CO3)2
This image displays a cluster of well-formed, translucent, white to pale pink rhombohedral dolomite crystals, exhibiting distinct cleavage faces and a vitreous luster.
Dolomite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
Perfect rhombohedral on {1011}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.85Colors
white, pink, gray, brown, green, blackTransparency
transparentType Locality
Azcárate Quarry, Eugui, Esteribar, Navarre, SpainMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
construction material, soil conditioner, magnesium source, ornamental stone, flux in metallurgyAssociated Minerals
calcite, quartz, barite, fluorite, galena, sphaleriteRarity
commonGeological Context
Dolomite is a common rock-forming mineral that primarily forms in sedimentary environments, often through the diagenetic alteration of limestone (dolomitization) or as a primary precipitate in hypersaline conditions. It is the main component of the sedimentary rock dolostone.
