Dolomite

Dolomite is a common rock-forming mineral. It is a calcium magnesium carbonate with a chemical composition of CaMg(CO3)2. It is the primary component of the sedimentary rock known as dolostone and the metamorphic rock known as dolomitic marble. Limestone that contains some dolomite is known as dolomitic limestone. Most rocks that are rich in dolomite were originally deposited as calcium carbonate muds that were postpositionally altered by magnesium rich pore water to form dolomite. Dolomite is also a common mineral in hydrothermal veins. That may have barite, galena, fluorite, etc. Dolomite crystals are colorless, white, buff-colored, pinkish, or bluish. Granular dolomite in rocks tends to be light to dark gray, tan, or white. Dolomite long has been used as a source of calcium and magnesium for animal feeds. It is now available in a number of dosage forms including tablets and chewable wafers, to be taken as dietary supplements. Dolomite is used as a source of magnesia (MgO), a feed additive for livestock, a sintering agent and flux in metal processing, and as an ingredient in the production of glass, bricks, and ceramics. Dolomite is used as a source of magnesium metal and of magnesia (MgO), which is a constituent of refractory bricks. Dolomite serves as the host rock for many lead, zinc, and copper deposits. Dolomite also serves as an oil and gas reservoir rock. This can produce pore spaces in the rock that can be filled with oil or natural gas that migrate in as they are released from other rock units. This makes the dolomite a reservoir rock and a target of oil and gas drilling. Agriculture grade dolomite used for soil neutralization and conditioner to correct acidity. It also finds use as filler in fertilizers. The main ingredient is calcium carbonate, it helps to increase the pH of acidic soils and it provides a good source of calcium for plant. It improves the water penetration for acidic soil.