DOLOMITE
It is a carbonate mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate and is commonly found in sedimentary rocks.
Chemical formula for dolomite is CaMg(CO₃)₂
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DOLOMITE
- Color: White, gray, pink, green, brown, or black
- Luster: Vitreous to pearly
- Streak: White
- Hardness: 3.5 – 4 on Mohs scale
- Specific Gravity:2.85 – 2.90
- Cleavage:Perfect rhombohedral cleavage
- Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
- Transparency:Transparent to translucent
- Reactivity: Reacts weakly with cold dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) but effervesces more vigorously when powdered or in warm acid
Dolomite may exist in sedimentary rocks and may precipitate as a secondary mineral from the alteration of limestone.
RELATED MARKETS
Construction & Building Materials
Cement & Concrete Industry– It is utilized as an aggregate and filler in cement production.
Road Construction – Crushed stone application in asphalt and road base.
Glass & Ceramics– Serves as a fluxing agent for glass and ceramics manufacturing.
Metallurgy & Steel Industry
Iron & Steel Manufacturing– Utilized as a flux to eliminate impurities in blast furnaces.
Refractory Materials – Dolomite bricks are applied in high-temperature furnaces.
Agriculture & Soil Conditioning
Soil pH Balancing– Dolomite is applied as a soil conditioner to counteract acidity.
Fertilizers – Supplies magnesium and calcium nutrients to plants.