Dolomite (pseudomorph after Stibnite)
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)
Mineral NameDolomite (pseudomorph after Stibnite)
Chemical FormulaCaMg(CO₃)₂
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lusterdull
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral (3 directions)
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.85
Colorspale yellow, yellowish-white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityCavnic (Kapnic; Kapnik), Maramures County, Romania
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usescollector specimens, source of magnesium, construction material
Associated Mineralsstibnite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen is an elongated, prismatic crystal, likely a pseudomorph of granular, pale yellowish dolomite after a stibnite crystal. Its surface is composed of numerous small, sparkling dolomite crystals, giving it a sugary texture.
Geological Context
Dolomite pseudomorphs after stibnite typically form in hydrothermal vein deposits where stibnite crystals are later replaced by dolomite through metasomatic processes, often in low-temperature environments.
