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
The image displays a cluster of well-formed, translucent, pinkish-white rhombohedral dolomite crystals, characteristic of the mineral's trigonal crystal system.
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, colorlessTransparency
translucentType Locality
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, NamibiaMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
construction material, magnesium source, soil conditioner, flux in metallurgy, ornamental stoneAssociated Minerals
calcite, quartz, pyrite, sphalerite, galenaRarity
commonGeological Context
Dolomite forms in sedimentary environments, often as a secondary alteration product of limestone (dolomitization) or through direct precipitation in hypersaline conditions, and can also be found in hydrothermal veins.
