Dolomite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bultro" title="User:Bultro">Bultro</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameDolomite
Chemical FormulaCaMg(CO₃)₂
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral (3 directions)
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.85
Colorswhite, pink, grey, brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityAtlas Mountains, Morocco
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesconstruction, industrial, collector
Associated Mineralscalcite, quartz, barite, fluorite
Raritycommon
Description
The specimen is a cluster of pinkish-white, blocky to saddle-shaped rhombohedral crystals, exhibiting a sugary or granular texture.
Geological Context
Dolomite forms in sedimentary environments, often as a replacement mineral of limestone (dolomitization) or directly precipitates from hypersaline brines. It is a common rock-forming mineral in dolostone and marble.
