dolomite
Americannoun
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a very common mineral, calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO3 ) 2 , occurring in crystals and in masses.
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a rock consisting essentially or largely of this mineral.
noun
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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)
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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
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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 .
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A sedimentary rock containing more than 50 percent of the mineral dolomite by weight.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dolomite
1785–95; < French, named after D. de Dolom ( ieu ) (1750–1801), French mineralogist; see -ite 1
Vocabulary lists containing dolomite
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For more than two centuries, scientists tried and failed to grow dolomite in the lab under conditions thought to match how it forms in nature.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 20, 2026
To test their idea, the team needed to model how atoms interact as dolomite forms.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 20, 2026
Moving into the chef’s kitchen, there are marble and dolomite countertops, a custom mosaic tile backsplash, a wine tap, and state-of-the-art appliances.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 17, 2025
It accounts for 36% of the country's tin, 20% iron ore, 18% coal, 11% dolomite and 4% of diamond and marble reserves.
From BBC ● May 27, 2025
Upon further analysis, another geologist concluded that it might be possible to “age” the surface of a dolomite marble statue in a couple of months using potato mold.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
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