Dolomite is a carbonate rock composed mainly of CaMg(CO3)2and forms in the unique depositional environments or though the dolomitization process. It is usually greyish white and has a low hardness. It appears similar to limestone but does not fizz or only fizzes slightly in diluted hydrochloric acid. Weathered surfaces often contain dolomite powder and have a cross knife-cut pattern. Based on the stages of formation, dolomite can be divided into contemporaneous dolomite, diagenetic dolomite and secondary dolomite. Based on the structure, it can be divided into micritic dolomite, micro-crystalline dolomite, crystalline dolomite, residual allochemical dolomite and clastic dolomite. Dolomite has a high magnesium content, and it is used in the chemical industry to manufacture fused calcium-magnesium phosphate fertilizer, granular fertilizer and magnesium sulphate. In metallurgical industries, it can be used as a flux and refractory material, and some dolomites can be used for the...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsEditor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2020). Dolomite. In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., Tian, M. (eds) Dictionary of Geotourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_529
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_529
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-2537-3
Online ISBN: 978-981-13-2538-0
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences