Judging quality
The curved rhombohedral faces are diagnostic. Look for pearly lustre and clean undamaged crystal groups; Spanish Eugui dolomite is the reference.
Carbonate
Dolomite
A calcium magnesium carbonate that grows in saddle-shaped curved rhombs, often forming the sparkling white matrix beneath more colorful minerals.
Care
Acid-sensitive and soft. Wipe dry only.
History & lore
The mineral, the rock and the Dolomite mountains are all named for the French geologist Deodat de Dolomieu.
Cultural history, recorded as tradition rather than as medical or scientific claim.
Common questions about Dolomite
- What is Dolomite?
- A calcium magnesium carbonate that grows in saddle-shaped curved rhombs, often forming the sparkling white matrix beneath more colorful minerals.
- How hard is Dolomite and what is it made of?
- Dolomite is a Carbonate-family mineral with the composition CaMg(CO3)2. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and rates 3.5-4 on the Mohs hardness scale. It occurs in white, pink, grey.
- Where does Dolomite come from?
- Notable localities for Dolomite include Spain (Eugui), Brazil, Mexico, Morocco.
- How do you tell good Dolomite from filler?
- The curved rhombohedral faces are diagnostic. Look for pearly lustre and clean undamaged crystal groups; Spanish Eugui dolomite is the reference.
- How do you care for Dolomite?
- Acid-sensitive and soft. Wipe dry only.
See it in person
Photographs only go so far
Both rooms are open six days a week, and there is always someone happy to pull pieces out of the case so you can compare them under the light.