Collection: Dolomite

Dolomite is a carbonate rock and mineral, composed primarily of calcium and magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO₃)₂).

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🔬 Mineralogical characteristics

• Chemical formula : CaMg(CO₃)₂

• Color : white, gray, pink, brown, sometimes yellowish

• Luster : Vitreous to pearly

• Hardness (Mohs scale) : 3.5 to 4

• Crystal system : rhombohedral

• Reaction to acid : unlike calcite, it reacts only weakly to cold hydrochloric acid, but foams under hot acid or if it is in powder form

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🌍 Origin and training

Dolomite can form in two main ways:

1. Dolomitization : The process by which calcite-rich limestone rocks are transformed into dolomite, often through interaction with magnesium-rich waters.

2. Direct precipitation : in shallow marine environments, under specific temperature and salinity conditions.

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🏔️ Dolomitic rock

When we talk about dolomite (or dolomitic rock), we are referring to a sedimentary rock composed mainly of dolomite. It is similar to limestone but with a higher proportion of magnesium.

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🏗️ Uses

• Construction : as building stone or aggregates for concrete

• Chemical industry : to produce magnesia (MgO), used in refractories and fertilizers

• Metallurgy : melting in blast furnaces

• Agriculture : calcium-magnesium amendment to correct soil acidity

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🌱 Environment and geology

• Dolomitic formations are common in sedimentary mountain ranges.

• The Dolomites in Italy take their name from this rock, studied by the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu.