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Dolomite
Dolomite
Mineral Properties and Uses
Physical Properties of Dolomite |
| Color |
colorless, white, pink, green, gray, brown, black |
| Streak |
white |
| Luster |
vitreous |
| Diaphaneity |
transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage |
perfect, rhombohedral |
| Mohs Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
| Specific Gravity |
2.8 - 2.9 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
cleavage, powdered form effervesces in HCl |
| Crystal System |
hexagonal |
Uses of Dolomite?
Dolomite uses include: building stones, refractory bricks for furnace linings, ornamental stone, ore of metallic magnesium.
| Crystalline granular dolomite from Thornwood, New York. This specimen is approximately 3 inches (6.7 centimeters) across. |
| Dolomite from Lee, Massachusetts. This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. |
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| Crystallized dolomite from Penfield, New York. This specimen is approximately 3 inches (6.7 centimeters) across. |
| Dolomite, used for asphalt paving from Penfield, New York. These specimens are approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters) across. |
| Crystalline granular dolomite from Thornwood, New York. This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. |
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