Mineral Name

Dolomite

Chemical Formula

CaMg(CO3)2

Creator

Preview

Color

white, gray, reddish-white, brownish-white

Class

Article

Luster

vitreous (glassy)

Diaphaneity

transparent to translucent

Hardness

3.5-4

Cleavage

3 directions: {1011} perfect, {1011} perfect, {1011} perfect

Fracture

brittle - conchoidal

Density

2.8-2.9

Crystal Shape

crystals are usually rhombohedral. Faces can be curved, some so as to form 'saddle-shaped' crystals. Can form in coarse, granular, masses.

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Comments

Will react slowly upon contact with dilute HCl. Will effervesce more readily only in hot HCl or by powdering the mineral.

Streaming Media