In this post, we reveal everything you need to know about dolomite, including its meaning, benefits, properties, types, colors, and uses. Let's get started!
Introduction
The earth’s crust is a reservoir of several minerals and mineral-based rocks. Some minerals are precious while others are semi-precious. But have you ever come across a substance that’s a mineral as well as a rock?
If you are intrigued by this question, then continue reading! Today we’ll unearth one such interesting element named “dolomite”. It is a mineral as well as a rock. We’ve covered all topics related to dolomite so that you get ample insights, all within the same article. So, let’s get started.
- Dolomite Meaning
- What is Dolomite?
- What is Dolomite Made of?
- What Type of Rock is Dolomite?
- What does Dolomite Look Like?
- Is Dolomite Safe?
- What is Dolomite Used for?
- How Strong is Dolomite?
- How Much is Dolomite Worth?
- Dolomite Benefits
- Where is Dolomite Found?
- Dolomite in Spain
- Dolomite Gemstones in Oklahoma
- Dolomite in Italy
- Dolomite in Missouri
- Dolomite Properties
- Dolomite Healing Properties
- Dolomite Optical Properties
- Dolomite vs Other Stones
- Dolomite vs Limestone
- How is Dolomite Different from Limestone?
- Dolomite vs Granite
- Dolomite vs Calcite
- Difference Between Dolomite and Calcite
- Dolomite vs Marble
- Dolostone vs Dolomite
- Types of Dolomite
- Tumbled Dolomite
- Dolomite Color
- Pink Dolomite
- Pink Dolomite Metaphysical Properties
- Black Dolomite
- Blue Dolomite
- White Dolomite
- Brown Dolomite
- Gray Dolomite
- Red Dolomite
- Yellow Dolomites
- Dolomite Jewelry
- Dolomite Uses
- Dolomite Countertop
- What is a Dolomite Countertop?
- Dolomite Countertops Pros and Cons
- Dolomite Powder
- What is Dolomite Powder?
- Dolomite Powder Uses
- Dolomite Pills
- Dolomite Plates
- Dolomite Cement
- Dolomite Pottery
- Dolomite Cup
- Dolomite Gardening
- Dolomite Dinnerware
- Dolomite Combinations
- Dolomite and Tourmaline
- Dolomite and Calcite
- Dolomite Rocks for Sale
- Dolomite Price
- Buy Dolomite Powder
- Price of Dolomite per Ton
- Dolomite Cost per Pound
- Where to Buy Dolomite?
- Conclusion
Dolomite Meaning
Dolomite is the name for an anhydrous calcium magnesium carbonate mineral. It was named after the French mineralogist Deodat de Dolomieu in March 1792 by Nicolas Theodore. Dolomite has two meanings. First, this term is used to name a transparent carbonate mineral. And second, a sedimentary rock containing 90% or more dolomite is also known as dolomite.
What is Dolomite?
Dolomite is a carbonate mineral of calcium magnesium with the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)2. Naturally, it occurs as a mineral or a rock. Dolomite as a mineral is a rhomboidal, prismatic, translucent, and colorless crystal.
This stone can be of various colors like pink, blue, black, orange, red, green, yellow, and gray because of impurities like manganese and iron. Sedimentary rock of dolomite contains around 90% of dolomite. Limestone dolomite is comprised of 50 to 90% dolomite.
Limestone dolomites are also known as dolomitized limestone because their origin is said to occur due to the dolomitization of limestone. Dolomitization is a process wherein the calcium in the limestone is partially replaced by magnesium to form dolomite. Dolostone is the other name of dolomite rock.
What is Dolomite Made of?
Dolomite contains two kinds of mineral salts: calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Its crystal lattice has a properly arranged structure of CaCO3 with MgCO3 layers on it.
Dolomite is a kind of limestone, rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates with small traces of other minerals like iron and manganese. The dolomites are formed when there is a magnesium replacement with the calcium present in the chemical formula of limestone.
What Type of Rock is Dolomite?
Dolomite rock is a type of sedimentary carbonate rock. It contains around 50 to 90% of dolomite minerals. It occurs in association with evaporites and limestone. Sedimentary rock is a kind of rock that is formed by the deposition and accumulation of minerals and organic compounds near the earth’s surface. This deposition is followed by cementation.
Cementation is a process that helps in the formation of new crystalline substances within sedimentary grains. This occurs when the ions present in groundwater chemically precipitate within the pores of sedimentary rocks. Via sedimentation, the precipitated ions settle in and form new rocks. This is how dolomite rocks are formed.
What does Dolomite Look Like?
Dolomite is a translucent and white mineral that looks like calcite. However, there is a difference in their chemical composition. There are magnesium ions present in dolomite. But calcite does not have any magnesium ions. Generally, a dolomite crystal is a white, colorless, pink, blue, or buff-colored mineral. Whereas, dolostones are tan, white, or gray. Dolomite minerals are transparent, but dolomite rocks are mostly opaque.
Is Dolomite Safe?
Dolomite isn’t safe to be ingested. This is because dolomites are contaminated with heavy metals like iron, manganese, lead, arsenic, mercury, nickel, and aluminum. Hence, dolomites aren’t used as magnesium or calcium supplements for the body. Eating dolomite may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach irritation.
So long as you don’t consume it, dolomite is considered a non-toxic substance. But inhaling dolomite dust may cause respiratory issues. One can use products made from dolomite externally but make certain that the product doesn’t enter your body.
What is Dolomite Used for?
Dolomite as a mineral doesn’t have many uses. But, dolomite rock has multiple uses. Dolostone is an excellent source of magnesia (MgO) and magnesium metal. Magnesia is used for making refractory bricks. Dolostone can be used instead of limestone in blast furnaces as a flux and in cement and bitumen mixes as an aggregate. In the construction industry, dolostone is used by crushing it to get the desired size to make asphalt, concrete aggregate, rip-rap, railroad ballast, or fills.
Dolostone is also used to produce dimension stones. Dimension stones are blocks of cement made of a particular size. The reactivity of dolomite with acid is another useful procedure that helps in acid neutralization, soil conditioning, and stream restoration.
Dolostone is a host of rocks for many minerals, like copper, zinc, and lead. We can extract these minerals from dolostones. Also, the dolomite stone is considered a reservoir rock for gas and oil. This occurs during the transformation of dolomite from calcite. Since we witness a volume reduction during the conversion, there are several pores created. These pores act as reserves for oil and gas deposition. However, dolomite crystal is used as an ornamental stone and is used to make jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
How Strong is Dolomite?
Dolomite is much more durable and stronger than marble. However, it is softer than granite. Hence, they can develop scratches easily. Dolostone can withstand wear and tear and can last for years if proper care is taken. Its hardness ranges between 3.5 to 4 Mohs. That makes it a robust mineral to use.
How Much is Dolomite Worth?
Dolomite stones are approximately priced around $20 to $30 USD per metric ton, while dolomite powder is available at around $17 to $20 USD per 50 kilograms.
Dolomite Benefits
Dolomite tablets are used extensively to treat low calcium levels in the blood. It also cures health conditions that are caused because of a lack of calcium in the body. These include latent tetany, osteoporosis, rickets, and hypoparathyroidism. Dolomite tablets may also be used as a calcium supplement during pregnancy.
Dolomite as a gemstone rejuvenates our complete chakra system and controls our emotions. It keeps you grounded and aware of the events that occur in and around you. Dolomite helps you maintain a proper emotional balance. It boosts your concentration and makes you vigilant and self-aware.
Dolomite gives you the confidence to believe in yourself by harnessing the energies of mother earth and transferring them into your body. You attain clarity in your thoughts and will maintain your calm during times of distress. Dolomite refreshes your thoughts and gives you direction and helps you identify your purpose in life. Negative thoughts are replaced by positive ones using a dolomite gemstone.
Where is Dolomite Found?
Dolomite is found in countries like Spain, Midwestern United States, Italy, Missouri, Ontario, Mexico, Oklahoma, Pamplona, and Switzerland.
Dolomite in Spain
Dolomite is found in abundance in the Northern part of Spain. Large dolomite ores are found in regions like Navarra, Eugui, and Esteribar.
Dolomite Gemstones in Oklahoma
Dolomite gemstones can be found in Western Oklahoma and the Alabaster Caverns State Park of Northwestern Oklahoma.
Dolomite in Italy
Dolomite stones are found at the Italian Alpi Dolomitiche, which is a group of mountains that lie near the eastern part of the Northern Italian Alps.
Dolomite in Missouri
Limestone is the most commonly found rock in the state of Missouri. Hence, dolomite, a derivative of limestone, is also found here. We find dolomite in abundance in the St. Francois Mountains of Missouri.
Dolomite Properties
Dolomite belongs to the carbonate group with the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)2. It is available in a variety of colors: colorless, white, black, pink, blue, green, gray, and brown. It has a vitreous luster with white-colored streaks. It’s a translucent crystal with a rhombohedral structure and hexagonal atom arrangement. Its specific gravity ranges between 2.8 to 2.9, while its hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4.
Dolomite Healing Properties
Dolomite is a protective stone that can aid you with its impeccable healing properties. Dolomite may help during PMS, reinforce your bones, muscles, and teeth, and boost oxygen supply to the lungs and other parts of the body. It also works wonders to help curb insomnia, irregular sleep patterns, nightmares, and night terrors.
Dolomite may also improve your reproductive health and genital system. It boosts your metabolism and heals broken bones and jaw-related ailments. Dolomite is known to improve one’s stamina and maintain homeostasis in the body. It improves blood circulation and hair quality and texture. This gem helps you realign your dislocated spine and skeletal structure. Dolomite is said to detoxify your body and supports weight management, along with an improved nervous system.
Dolomite Optical Properties
Dolomite has RI values between 1.679 to 1.681. It has a uniaxial optic sign with moderate relief and parallel optical extinction. The birefringence value of dolomite is 0.179 and has common twining properties.
Dolomite vs Other Stones
Dolomite has a similar appearance, chemical group, uses, or strength when compared with other stones like limestone, granite, calcite, and marble.
Dolomite vs Limestone
Dolomite is either a mineral or a sedimentary rock composed of dolomite minerals. It is a calcium magnesium carbonate. Dolomite rock is also known as “double carbonate rock”. It does not readily dissolve in organic solvents like weak acid. Dolomite is formed in highly saline locations like lagoons, for instance.
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of minerals like aragonite and calcite. These minerals are variants of calcium carbonate itself. These minerals are obtained from the skeletal fragments of marine organisms like corals. Limestone is soluble in organic solvents like weak acids and sometimes also in inorganic solvents like water.
How is Dolomite Different from Limestone?
Dolomite is a calcium magnesium carbonate, while limestone is a mineral of calcium carbonate. Limestone has impurities like clay, silt, and sand, while dolomite has impurities like iron, zinc, and manganese. Calcite limestone is more expensive than dolomite stone.
Dolomite vs Granite
Dolomite is a sedimentary rock. It is composed of calcium and magnesium, along with other impurities like iron, manganese, and zinc. It is used for making kitchen countertops and other household items. Dolomite has a glossy and pearl-like appearance. We obtain dolomite when limestone reacts with magnesium-rich groundwater. Dolostone can withstand heat and prolonged wear and tear.
Granite is a hard, granular, and crystalline igneous rock. It is composed of feldspar, mica, and quartz. Granite is used in the construction industry for building purposes. It has a veined and pebbled appearance. It is resistant to heat and is quite durable and long-lasting.
Dolomite vs Calcite
Dolomite and calcite both contain calcium carbonate in their chemical composition. They have a similar physical appearance and are hard to differentiate. However, there are a few differences. Calcite minerals form large rocks.
They can be igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary. Dolomite only forms sedimentary rocks. The color range available in calcite is colorless, pink, yellow, and brown, while the color range available in dolomite is white, colorless, pink, black, blue, green, and yellow. Calcite crystals can be opaque, translucent, or transparent based on the impurities. However, dolomite crystals are either transparent or translucent.
Calcite can contain around 99% of calcium carbonate. But dolomite contains around 50 to 90% of calcium carbonate. Calcite forms carbon dioxide gas after reacting with acid, whereas dolomite does not react with acid. Calcite is a soft mineral, and dolomite is relatively harder.
Difference Between Dolomite and Calcite
Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate while calcite is calcium carbonate. Calcite readily reacts with the acid, while dolomite barely reacts with acids. Dolomite is harder and more durable than calcite. Dolomite forms rhombohedral structures, while calcite forms scalenohedral structures.
Dolomite vs Marble
Dolomite and marble are often mistaken for each other because of their similar appearance. They are both used for making countertops. However, a dolomite countertop is more durable and long-lasting than a marble one. Dolomite has a more dense mineral composition than marble. Hence, it is much more robust and can withstand wear and tear better than marble. Dolomite is more affordable than marble. Dolomite has colors like white, gray, pink, black, green, and brown. However, marble offers you colors like red, black, white, and gray.
Dolostone vs Dolomite
Dolostone and dolomite are terms used for the same rock. Dolomite rock is also called dolostone. However, a dolomite mineral cannot be called a dolostone. Dolostone is a term used only for the rock formed by the dolomite crystal deposition.
Types of Dolomite
Dolomite can be divided into two types based on its mode of formation:
Primary dolomite: Primary dolomites precipitate at room temperature directly through an aqueous solution. There is no CaCO3 dissolution involved in this type.
Secondary dolomite: Secondary dolomites are formed via the dolomitization process on calcite minerals. Dolomitization is a process through which limestone or its derivatives transfer into dolostone via dissolution of calcite accompanied by precipitation of dolomite.
Tumbled Dolomite
Tumbled dolomites are shiny, bright, and polished crystals. The tumbling process smooths and evens out the texture of the rough stone. A machine named rock tumbler is used to improve the texture and feel of the rocks. Tumbled dolomites are often round and smaller than non-tumbled ones.
Dolomite Color
Dolomite is available in several colors because of the impurities present in its chemical composition. These colors include white, colorless, pink, black, blue, brown, red, gray, and yellow.
Pink Dolomite
Pink dolomite contains impurities like feldspar, calcite, and quartz, apart from its basic calcium magnesium carbonate composition. It has a rough texture and the impurities appear like stars trapped in them.
Pink Dolomite Metaphysical Properties
Pink dolomite helps you to maintain a balance between the various energies of your body. It brings all your chakras into proper alignment and coordination. Pink dolomite boosts your creativity and helps you accept reality and the current events happening in your life.
Black Dolomite
Black dolomite contains iron as an impurity. Iron oxidizes when it comes in direct contact with air. This oxidation process of iron causes dolomite to develop a black color.
Blue Dolomite
Blue dolomite contains copper in addition to calcium and magnesium. This gives blue dolomite a blue tint.
White Dolomite
White dolomite is pure white. It comes with gray-colored veins on its surface, giving it a close resemblance to marble.
Brown Dolomite
Brown dolomite gets its hue because of hematite staining. Hematite is a black-colored mineral composed of oxygen and iron.
Gray Dolomite
Gray dolomite is often used as a luxury item because of its marble-like appeal at an affordable price. You can get dolomites ranging from light gray to dark gray.
Red Dolomite
Red dolomite also contains iron as an impurity, just like black and brown dolomites. However, dolomite acquires a red hue because of the weathering of the rocks.
Yellow Dolomite
Yellow dolomite also contains iron as an impurity. However, brown dolomites have a higher percentage of iron than yellow dolomites. Hence, their color is much more intense, while yellow dolomites are simply a lighter version of brown dolomites.
Dolomite Jewelry
Dolomite crystals are used to make a variety of jewelry, like rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. A well polished and cut dolomite is similar to a diamond. It is an affordable alternative to diamonds and can be used with silver and gold metals. You can combine dolomite with other gemstones to customize your jewelry based on your requirements.
Dolomite Uses
Dolomite is used to make a variety of products like countertops, dolomite powder, tablets, cement, pots, gardening tools, and dinnerware.
Dolomite Countertop
Dolomite is also used to make countertops. Dolomite countertops are an affordable and more durable alternative to marble countertops.
What is a Dolomite Countertop?
Dolomite countertops are highly polished slabs of dolostone. They resemble marble and quartz in terms of their appearance. The size of the countertop can be changed based on your requirements.
Dolomite Countertops Pros and Cons
Dolomite countertops have several pros. They are heat and pressure-resistant. They are harder and more long-lasting than other materials like marble and quartz. Visually, dolomite resembles marble because of the different colored streaks it offers. We will never run out of dolomite due to its abundant supply. Dolomite countertops are easy to maintain. However, there are a few cons as well. Dolomite countertops are prone to stains since they absorb liquids at a faster rate. Also, they are prone to scratches.
Dolomite Powder
Dolomite rocks are crushed and processed into fine powder. It has several applications like the making of glass, rubber, cement, steel, and mining.
What is Dolomite Powder?
Dolomite powder is an anhydrous mineral belonging to the carbonate group. It contains calcium magnesium carbonate.
Dolomite Powder Uses
Dolomite powder can be used for making fertilizer because of its high calcium and magnesium content. It is used for reducing the acidity of soil and boosts the magnesium content of the soil. Dolomite powder is used as a filler for rubbers, paints, detergents, and adhesives.
Dolomite Pills
Dolomite pills are used as supplements for calcium and magnesium. You may consume these pills to curb calcium deficiency and improve bone, teeth, and muscle health.
Dolomite Plates
Dolomite is used to make dinner plates. Dolomite plates are quite brittle and, as such, they are used only for serving appetizers and display items.
Dolomite Dinnerware
Dolomite is also used to make a variety of dinnerware like plates, bowls, and cutlery. As previously mentioned, dolomite dinnerware is quite brittle.
Dolomite Cement
Dolomite cement is a part of phanerozoic sucrosic dolomite. Dolomite cement has a planar surface with a porous texture. It often has a distinct zonation in cathodoluminescence.
Dolomite Pottery
Dolomite is used as a ceramic material to make pots and other items since it is an excellent source of calcia and magnesia.
Dolomite Cup
Dolomite is used to make cups of different sizes and for different purposes. They are heat resistant and appear like melamine.
Dolomite Gardening
Dolomite is used as a fertilizer since it is an excellent source of calcium and magnesium. Also, dolomite helps in maintaining the pH of the soil. Dolomite used for gardening is also called dolomitic limestone or dolomitic lime.
Dolomite Combinations
Dolomite is combined with other minerals like tourmaline and calcite to form a better product in terms of its appearance, durability, and price.
Dolomite and Tourmaline
Dolomite is used with tourmaline to make ornaments. There are a variety of ornaments available that come embellished with dolomite and tourmaline crystals.
Dolomite and Calcite
Dolomite and calcite are both calcium carbonate minerals. Dolomite and calcite can be mixed to form construction aggregates and cement.
Dolomite Rocks for Sale
Dolomite rocks are often crushed into smaller parts and sold in kilograms. You can purchase dolomite in pounds and tons as well.
Dolomite Price
Dolomite is approximately priced around $20 to $30 USD per metric ton, while dolomite powder is available at around $17 to $20 USD per 50 kilograms.
Buy Dolomite Powder
Dolomite powder can be bought in kilograms. 1 kilogram of dolomite powder is available at an approximate price of 40 cents.
Price of Dolomite per Ton
Dolomite is available at an approximate price of $14 to $17 USD per ton.
Dolomite Cost per Pound
Dolomite is available at an estimated price of 20 to 30 cents per pound.
Where to Buy Dolomite?
Since dolomite is a useful and non-toxic mineral, its availability isn't a problem. You can buy dolomite online from leading websites or purchase it from a store near you.
Conclusion
Dolomite is not just a mineral but also a rock. It contains around 50 to 90% of calcium magnesium carbonate. Dolomite comes in various colors like white, colorless, pink, blue, black, brown, gray, and red. This coloration is obtained because of impurities present in the chemical composition of dolomite.
Dolomite has several applications and is used as a calcium supplement, fertilizer, construction aggregator, countertops, pottery, dinnerware, and jewelry making. Dolomite stone is renowned for aligning your chakras and giving you a sense of purpose and direction in life. It helps you maintain your calm and curbs insomnia, and other sleep-related disorders. Dolomite is an excellent stone to try.
Did You Enjoy This Article?
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