Dolomite
Calcium magnesium carbonate, preferably CaMg(CO3)2, makes up dolomite, an anhydrous carbonate mineral. A sedimentary carbonate rock primarily made of the mineral dolomite is also referred to by this name. Dolostone is another term that is occasionally used to describe this type of dolomitic rock.
The trigonal-rhombohedral system is where the mineral dolomite crystallizes. It crystallizes as pink, gray, tan, or white. Dolomite is a double carbonate with calcium and magnesium ions arranged in an alternating structural pattern. It does not dissolve quickly or effervesce (fizz) in cold diluted hydrochloric acid as calcite does, unless it is in fine powder form. Twinning of crystals is common.
Application
Dolomite is utilized in many of the same ways as limestone, such as as building aggregate, as a source of carbon dioxide, as dimension stone, as a filler in fertilizers and other products, as a flux in metallurgy, as a flux in glassmaking, and in agriculture to supply calcium and magnesium and balance the acidity of the soil. It cannot be used in place of limestone in chemical processes that call for high-calcium limestone, like the production of sodium carbonate. Dolomite is used as a magnesium supplement and in the manufacturing of magnesium compounds like Epsom salt. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of refractory materials.
Specification of Dolomite
Appearance/ Brighness |
pH (10% Water Slurry) |
Moisture Loss (2h/105°C) |
Sieve Residue % 500 Mesh Retained |
Bulk Density (kg/ml) |
Colour |
-2 Micron |
+300# |
|
Creamesh off White Fine Powder |
|
5.48 |
|
0.85 |
|
0.14 |
|
0.321 |
|
Cremish White |
|
76 |
|
0.008 |