Dolomite | |
Chemical Formula |
(CaMg)(CO3)2 |
Species |
Carbonates |
Crystal System |
Trigonal |
Mohs Scale |
3-4 |
Specific Gravity |
2.84-2.86 |
Color |
White, gray to pink |
Streak |
White |
Luster |
Vitreous, Pearly |
Refractive Index |
n = 1.679 - 1.681 n = 1.500 |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent, Translucent |
Cleavage |
PerfectOn . |
Fracture |
Sub-Conchoidal |
Crystal Habit:Tabular crystals, often with curved faces, also columnar, stalactitic, granular, massive. | |
Geological Setting:An important sedimentary and metamorphic mineral, found as the principal mineral in dolostones and metadolostones, and as an important mineral in limestones and marbles where calcite is the principal mineral present. Also found as a hydrothermal vein mineral, forming crystals in cavities; and found in serpentinites and similar rocks. |