Dolomite [Chemical formula, Physical, Chemical Properties and Reactions]

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

The chemical formula of dolomite is CaMg(CO₃)₂.

Physical Properties of Dolomite:

Properties Details
CleavagePerfect in three directions, producing rhombohedral fragments
ColorColorless, white, gray, pink, brown, or black
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Density2.8 to 2.9 g/cm³
FractureSubconchoidal to uneven
Hardness3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale
LusterVitreous to pearly
Refractive Index1.50 to 1.68
StreakWhite to gray
TransparencyTransparent to translucent

Chemical Properties of Dolomite:

Properties Details
Chemical FormulaCaMg(CO₃)₂
CompositionCalcium magnesium carbonate
Melting PointApproximately 1650-1750°C (3000-3182°F)
pHNeutral to slightly basic (pH 7-8)
Reaction with AcidReacts slowly with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce effervescence
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water
Thermal DecompositionDolomite decomposes to form calcium oxide (lime) and magnesium oxide (periclase) when heated strongly
WeatheringSusceptible to weathering and dissolution in the presence of acidic waters

Reactions of dolomite with Alkali Metal

Alkali MetalReaction
Lithium (Li) no reaction occur hence no product formed
Sodium (Na) no reaction occur hence no product formed with sodium.
Potassium (K) no reaction occur hence no product formed with potassium.
Rubidium (Rb) no reaction occur hence no product formed with rubidium.
Cesium (Cs) no reaction occur hence no product formed with cesium.
Francium (Fr) no reaction occur hence no product formed with francium.

Reactions of dolomite with Alkaline Earth Metal

Alkaline Earth MetalReaction
Beryllium (Be) no reaction occur hence no product formed with beryllium.
Magnesium (Mg) no reaction occur hence no product formed with magnesium.
Calcium (Ca) no reaction occur hence no product formed with calcium under normal conditions.
Strontium (Sr) no reaction occur hence no product formed with strontium.
Barium (Ba) no reaction occur hence no product formed with barium.
Radium (Ra) no reaction occur hence no product formed with radium.

Reactions of dolomite with Transition Metal

Transition MetalReaction
Scandium (Sc) no reaction occur hence no product formed with scandium.
Titanium (Ti) no reaction occur hence no product formed with titanium.
Vanadium (V) no reaction occur hence no product formed with vanadium.
Chromium (Cr) no reaction occur hence no product formed with chromium.
Manganese (Mn) no reaction occur hence no product formed with manganese.
Iron (Fe) no reaction occur hence no product formed with iron.
Cobalt (Co) no reaction occur hence no product formed with cobalt.
Nickel (Ni) no reaction occur hence no product formed with nickel.
Copper (Cu) no reaction occur hence no product formed with copper.
Zinc (Zn) no reaction occur hence no product formed with zinc.
Yttrium (Y) no reaction occur hence no product formed with yttrium.
Zirconium (Zr) no reaction occur hence no product formed with zirconium.
Niobium (Nb) no reaction occur hence no product formed with niobium.
Molybdenum (Mo) no reaction occur hence no product formed with molybdenum.
Technetium (Tc) no reaction occur hence no product formed with technetium.
Ruthenium (Ru) no reaction occur hence no product formed with ruthenium.
Rhodium (Rh) no reaction occur hence no product formed with rhodium.
Palladium (Pd) no reaction occur hence no product formed with palladium.
Silver (Ag) no reaction occur hence no product formed with silver.
Cadmium (Cd) no reaction occur hence no product formed with cadmium.

Reactions of dolomite with Non-Transition Metal

Non-Transition MetalReaction
Aluminum (Al) no reaction occur hence no product formed with aluminum.
Gallium (Ga) no reaction occur hence no product formed with gallium.
Indium (In) no reaction occur hence no product formed with indium.
Tin (Sn) no reaction occur hence no product formed with tin.
Thallium (Tl) no reaction occur hence no product formed with thallium.
Lead (Pb) no reaction occur hence no product formed with lead.
Bismuth (Bi) no reaction occur hence no product formed with bismuth.
Polonium (Po) no reaction occur hence no product formed with polonium.
Nitrogen (N) no reaction occur hence no product formed with nitrogen.
Phosphorus (P) no reaction occur hence no product formed with phosphorus.
Oxygen (O) no reaction occur hence no product formed with oxygen.
Sulfur (S) no reaction occur hence no product formed with sulfur.
Selenium (Se) no reaction occur hence no product formed with selenium.
Fluorine (F) no reaction occur hence no product formed with fluorine.
Chlorine (Cl) no reaction occur hence no product formed with chlorine.
Bromine (Br) no reaction occur hence no product formed with bromine.