Dolomite is a common rock-forming mineral. It is a calcium magnesium carbonate with a chemical composition of CaMg(CO3)₂. There are two types of materials often called dolomite, a true chemically uniform calcium magnesium carbonate with the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)₂, and a dolomitic limestone, which is just an irregular mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Dolomite crystals usually form transparent to translucent rhombs that are colorless to light-colored, although crystals may be red to brown if iron impurities are present. Some dolomite crystals also exhibit crystal faces that form slightly curved surfaces, rather than flat planes.

Manufacturing process

Dolomite is found mostly under the earth’s surface, therefore underground mining methods are required to extract them. One common method used is room and pillar mining. The mineral will be mined in a horizontal fashion underground and the mineral will be removed in a room and pillar horizontal array to support the roof. The rocks will then be crushed into smaller pieces before undergoing milling to break the pieces into fine powder.