dolomite

[ doh-luh-mahyt, dol-uh- ]

noun

1. a very common mineral, calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 , occurring in crystals and in masses.
2. a rock consisting essentially or largely of this mineral.

dolomite

/ ˈdɒləˌmaɪt; ˌdɒləˈmɪtɪk /

noun

1. a white mineral often tinted by impurities, found in sedimentary rocks and veins. It is used in the manufacture of cement and as a building stone (marble). Composition: calcium magnesium carbonate. Formula: CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 . Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral)
2. a sedimentary rock resembling limestone but consisting principally of the mineral dolomite. It is an important source of magnesium and its compounds, and is used as a building material and refractory

dolomite

/ dō′lə-mīt′,dŏl′ə-mīt′ /

1. A gray, pink, or white rhombohedral mineral. Dolomite occurs in curved saddlelike crystals with a pearly to glassy luster. It is a common rock-forming mineral. Chemical formula: CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 .
2. A sedimentary rock containing more than 50 percent of the mineral dolomite by weight.

Derived Forms

• dolomitic, adjective

Other Words From

• dol·o·mit·ic [dol-, uh, -, mit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolomite¹

1785–95; < French, named after D. de Dolom ( ieu ) (1750–1801), French mineralogist; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolomite¹

C18: named after Déodat de Dolomieu (1750–1801), French mineralogist

Example Sentences

Sitting over 300 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin River and Honey Creek lies Ferry Bluff, a stunning plateau of sandstone and dolomite boasting fantastic river views through forests of ironwood, hackberry, and elm.

From Outside Online

Up next are tests out in the field on materials like granite, dolomite, limestone, and basalt.

From Singularity Hub 

In the Dolomite region, especially of recent times, climbing has made extraordinary progress.

From Project Gutenberg

Another remarkable feature of the Permian rocks is the occurrence of great beds of magnesian limestone, or dolomite.

From Project Gutenberg

Mixed with carbonate of lime, it forms magnesian limestone and dolomite.

From Project Gutenberg

Came to hills of dolomite, but all the rocks were covered with white lichens (ash-coloured).

From Project Gutenberg

Roads all plashy or running with water, oozes full, and rivulets overflowing; rocks of dolomite jutting out here and there.

From Project Gutenberg