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 specimen features clusters of well-formed, off-white to pale cream rhombohedral dolomite crystals, exhibiting a characteristic blocky habit.

Dolomite Physical Properties

Mohs Hardness

3.5

Crystal System

trigonal

Luster

vitreous

Streak Color

white

Cleavage

perfect rhombohedral on {1011}

Fracture

conchoidal

Specific Gravity

2.85

Colors

white, pink, gray, brown, colorless

Transparency

transparent to translucent

Type Locality

Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico

Mineral Group

Carbonates

Uses

construction material, magnesium source, soil conditioner, flux in metallurgy, ornamental stone

Associated Minerals

calcite, quartz, pyrite, galena, sphalerite, fluorite

Rarity

common

Geological Context

Dolomite forms primarily in sedimentary environments through the alteration of limestone by magnesium-rich waters, or as a primary precipitate. It can also occur in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks.

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