Calcium magnesium carbonate that forms massive beds of dolostone. Distinguished from calcite by its slower reaction with cold acid. Color: White, gray, pink, tan. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral. Hardness: 3.5-4. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal. Chemical formula: CaMg CO₃ ₂. Specific gravity: 2.84-2.86. Formation: Forms by diagenetic replacement of calcite dolomitization or directly from magnesium-rich fluids. Common geological settings: Worldwide; Dolomite Alps Italy , USA, Spain; forms massive dolostone formations. Common look-alikes and related entries: Calcite, Magnesite, Ankerite.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:01.193381+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Calcium magnesium carbonate that forms massive beds of dolostone. Distinguished from calcite by its slower reaction with cold acid.
How can you identify Dolomite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, gray, pink, tan; lustre: Vitreous to pearly; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 3.5-4; cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Dolomite form?
Forms by diagenetic replacement of calcite dolomitization or directly from magnesium-rich fluids.
Where is Dolomite commonly found?
Worldwide; Dolomite Alps Italy , USA, Spain; forms massive dolostone formations.
What is Dolomite commonly confused with?
Dolomite may be confused with Calcite, Magnesite, Ankerite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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