ABSTRACT
The mineral dolomite is a double carbonate of calcium and magnesium
[CaMg(CO3)2]. Dolomite is named after the French geologist Trancrede de
Dolomieu, who identified it as a distinct mineral in the late 18th century. The
name “dolomite” can refer to both the mineral and the rock contains a large per-
centage of the mineral. Theoretically, the mineral contains 30.4% CaO (54.3%
CaCO3), 21.7 MgO (45.7%MgCO3), and 47.9% CO2. The formation of dolomite
occurs by one of two methods. Primary dolomite has been formed from the direct
precipitation from magnesium-rich solutions. Secondary dolomite has formed by
impregnation of limestone with Mg-rich brines. The direct precipitation of dolo-
mite occurs rarely under normal conditions so most deposits are thought to be of a
secondary origin.
