Properties of Dolomite

Dolomite is a mineral and a type of sedimentary rock composed predominantly of the mineral dolomite, which is a calcium magnesium carbonate with the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)2. It is a common sedimentary rock-forming mineral that occurs in various geological environments.

Image of dolomite mineral
Credit: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of dolomite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Dolomite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaCaMg(CO3)2
Molar Mass184.4 g/mol
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Mohs Hardness3.5 - 4
Density2860 - 2930 kg/m3
ColorWhite, gray, reddish white, brownish white, or gray
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
LusterVitreous (glassy)
Cleavage(1011) perfect
FractureBrittle, subconchoidal
StreakWhite

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.