How dolomite formed

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Dolomite, also known as "dolostone" and "dolomite rock," is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral dolomite , CaMg CO 3 2. Dolomite is found in sedimentary basins worldwide.

It is thought to form by the postdepositional alteration of lime mud and limestone by magnesium-rich groundwater. Dolomite and limestone are very similar rocks. They share the same color ranges of white-to-gray and white-to-light brown although other colors such as red, green, and black are possible.

They are approximately the same hardness, and they are both soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid. They are both crushed and cut for use as construction materials and used for their ability to neutralize acids.

The best way to learn about rocks is to have specimens available for testing and examination. Dolomite is very common in the rock record, but the mineral dolomite is rarely observed forming in sedimentary environments. For this reason it is believed that most dolomites form when lime muds or limestones are modified by postdepositional chemical change.

Dolomite originates in the same sedimentary environments as limestone - warm, shallow, marine environments where calcium carbonate mud accumulates in the form of shell debris, fecal material, coral fragments, and carbonate precipitates. Dolomite is thought to form when the calcite CaCO 3 in carbonate mud or limestone is modified by magnesium-rich groundwater.

The available magnesium facilitates the conversion of calcite into dolomite CaMg CO 3 2. This chemical change is known as "dolomitization. Dolomite aggregate: Dolomite aggregate used for asphalt paving, from Penfield, New York. Dolomite is slightly harder than limestone. Dolomite has a Mohs hardness of 3. Dolomite is slightly less soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid. These differences are often not significant enough to make a positive identification in the field.

Distinguishing the rocks in the field is further complicated by a compositional continuum that ranges from limestone to dolomitic limestone to dolomite. These two minerals are one of the most common pairs to present a mineral identification challenge in the field or classroom.

The best way to tell these minerals apart is to consider their hardness and acid reaction. Calcite is also strongly reactive with cold hydrochloric acid, while dolomite will effervesce weakly with cold hydrochloric acid. When dolomite is subjected to heat and pressure it behaves the same way as limestone.

The heat recrystallises the dolomite crystals which grows into larger crystal form. Dolomite and limestone have similar uses as used in the construction purposes after being crushed into pebbles and cobbles size. These can also be used into dimension stone after cutting into regular size. Dolomite is the preference in the construction industry than that of the limestone because of its greater hardness and less chemical reactivity to acids which makes it perfect for construction uses.

Dolomitization is a process where limestone is converted, it provides opportunity for a reservoir in oil and gas industry because of the reduction in size of limestone which leaves pore spaces that are often filled by oil and gas.

These are also host rock for lead, zinc and copper deposits. Such conditions exist when the sea water above the seafloor is free of oxygen.

In Earth's history, several such oxygen-free periods have occurred, partly consistent with time periods of intensified dolomite deposition. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Journal Reference : S.

Krause, V. Liebetrau, S. Gorb, M. Sanchez-Roman, J.