Dolomite
Image: Zopilote0 (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameDolomite
Chemical FormulaCaMg(CO3)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombic in three directions
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.85
Colorsbrownish-purple, gray, white
Transparencytranslucent
Type Localitywidespread
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usesindustrial, construction, collector
Associated Mineralscalcite, quartz, fluorite, barite, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
A cluster of small, translucent, brownish-purple to grayish-white rhombic dolomite crystals forming a druzy crust on a matrix.
Geological Context
Dolomite forms primarily in marine sedimentary environments through the alteration of limestone (dolomitization) or directly from seawater, and also occurs in hydrothermal veins.
