dolomite

[doh-luh-mahyt, dol-uh-]

noun

1. a very common mineral, calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO3 ) 2 , occurring in crystals and in masses.

2. a rock consisting essentially or largely of this mineral.

dolomite

/ ˈdɒləˌmaɪt, ˌdɒləˈmɪtɪk /

noun

1. a white mineral often tinted by impurities, found in sedimentary rocks and veins. It is used in the manufacture of cement and as a building stone (marble). Composition: calcium magnesium carbonate. Formula: CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 . Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral)

2. a sedimentary rock resembling limestone but consisting principally of the mineral dolomite. It is an important source of magnesium and its compounds, and is used as a building material and refractory

dolomite

1. A gray, pink, or white rhombohedral mineral. Dolomite occurs in curved saddlelike crystals with a pearly to glassy luster. It is a common rock-forming mineral. Chemical formula: CaMg(CO ₃ ) ₂ .

2. A sedimentary rock containing more than 50 percent of the mineral dolomite by weight.

Other Word Forms

• dolomitic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolomite¹

1785–95; < French, named after D. de Dolom ( ieu ) (1750–1801), French mineralogist; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolomite¹

C18: named after Déodat de Dolomieu (1750–1801), French mineralogist

Example Sentences

Chhattisgarh, for instance, is India's sole producer of tin concentrates and moulding sand, and a leading source of coal, dolomite, bauxite and high-grade iron ore, according to the ministry of mines.

From BBC

But in Last Chance Lake, calcium combines with plentiful carbonate as well as magnesium to form dolomite, the same mineral that forms picturesque mountain ranges.

From Science Daily

The secret to finally growing dolomite in the lab was removing defects in the mineral structure as it grows.

From Science Daily

Their formation is most common in easily erodible karst terrains with carbonate rocks, like limestone or dolomite, or minerals known as evaporites, like salt and gypsum.

From National Geographic

The markings were deeply incised into dolomite rock in locations close to the burials in the Dinaledi and Hill chambers.

From Scientific American