Dolomite is a colorless, white, pink, or yellow crystal, often with distinctive curved faces. It is rarely faceted because of its softness and perfect cleavage. So, its main use is in its massive form, as a decorative stone. Dolomite sometimes exists with quartz in the mother rock.
Occurrence
Dolomite occurs in limestone and marbles. The best crystals are from Germany, Switzerland, the USA, and Italy.
Dolomite Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.85
- Refractive Index: 1.50-1.68
- Birefringence (DR): 0.179
- Luster: Vitreous to Pearly
- Crystal Structure: Trigonal
- Composition: Magnesium and calcium carbonate
- Hardness: 3½
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