Nature of Dolomite
Earth is the source of abundance of ores and minerals, which get extracted from its surface and utilized in various industrial sectors for multiple purposes. Dolomite is a kind of limestone, which is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, that is why it can be known as an anhydrous carbonate mineral as well. This sedimentary carbonate rock is found in two forms in nature, one is dolomite powder and another one is dolomite stone.
As per the chemical name of Dolomite calcium magnesium carbonate whose chemical formula is CaMg(CO3)2, it can be also used as a calcium and magnesium supplement. Characteristics of this grade of carbonate mineral mostly depends upon the its type and time of deposition, atmosphere and presence of dissolved sulphate in it.
Usually the color of the dolomite mineral does depend upon the other mineral content it has in it, presence of even a little amount of iron make it appear either brown or yellow in color instead of white, gray to pink.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Dolomite:
- It mostly appears in the grade of colors, like white, gray to pink
- It is available in rock solid stone and powder form in nature
- It has conchoidal fracture
- Dolomite is poorly soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid
- Sometimes it shows vitreous to pearly appearance
- this anhydrous mineral comes in 3 directions of cleavage not at right angles
- This carbonate mineral has 99% of whiteness
- Solid solution of dolomite does exist between the the iron dominant and manganese dominant
- Melting Point: ~2570- 4660
- Density: 50.8 – 68.2 (lbs/ft3)
- Refractive index: 1.505 to 1.743
- Specific Gravity: 2.8 to 2.9
How Does the Formation of Dolomite Takes Place?
Formation of this grade of anhydrous carbonate mostly takes place under anaerobic conditions in natural environment. Due to the magnesium complexation shown by carboxyl groups is related to organic matter dolomite minerals get extracted. From multiple laboratories experiments it has been estimated that the initial precipitation of a labile material, like magnesium calcite (formed during a metabolic reaction), will be slowly changed into further stable phase, like magnesite or dolomite during the periodic processes of dissolution and re-precipitation.
Applications of Dolomite Minerals
Due to the tasteless and odorless nature of Dolomite minerals are highly reckoned for their therapeutic values. These are also known for their high shearing properties, brilliant compression strength and unique wettability level.
These Minerals Find Their Applications in Multiple Industries for Following Purposes:
- These are used to neutralize acids in chemical arena
- Dolomite stones are often used as an ornamental store
- These are also used in the production of the float glass
- In chemical processing arena, it is used as a source of magnesium oxide as well as for the production of magnesium
- These minerals are also often used as flux to serve the purpose of smelting of iron and iron in metal processing field
- Anhydrous carbonate is also used as phosphate buffering agent in hemodialysis process and calcium supplements in health care sector
- In iron steel manufacturing arena, this powder is used for its excellent purification attributes.
- In horticulture arena, these limestone minerals are used as soil conditioner and pH controller.
- Dolomite Powder is also used as food grade additive for livestock.