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Dolomite
Dolomite is carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂. In the hand, it rates 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, and it runs white and cream. Pearly cream-to-pink crystals with curved 'saddle' faces that fizz only weakly unless powdered or in warm acid. Massive beds worldwide (the Dolomites!); crystals from Spain, Mexico, Midwest USA.
The geology.
Dolomite carries the formula CaMg(CO₃)₂. It belongs to the trigonal system. Catalogues list it as carbonate.
It sits at 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads pearly to vitreous. Light behaviour is translucent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.84 to 2.86. The streak is white. It breaks with perfect rhombohedral cleavage.
Pearly cream-to-pink crystals with curved 'saddle' faces that fizz only weakly unless powdered or in warm acid.
It reaches buyers as saddle-shaped crystal clusters, massive or matrix for other minerals.
The origins.
Massive beds worldwide (the Dolomites!); crystals from Spain, Mexico, Midwest USA.
On value, the database notes: common and affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with moderation and self-kindness.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Pearly cream-to-pink crystals with curved 'saddle' faces that fizz only weakly unless powdered or in warm acid.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Calcite | Calcite fizzes vigorously in cold vinegar; dolomite barely reacts unless scratched to powder |
| Magnesite | Very similar; magnesite is usually snow-white nodular 'brains' |
| Aragonite | Aragonite forms prisms and needles, not curved rhombs |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on dolomite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Acid check | Weak fizz, strong fizz when powdered |
| By eye | Curved pearly crystal faces |
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with perfect rhombohedral cleavage, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is CaMg(CO₃)₂. Crystal system: Trigonal. Specific gravity: 2.84 to 2.86. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect rhombohedral cleavage.
How it reaches the market
Massive beds worldwide (the Dolomites!); crystals from Spain, Mexico, Midwest USA.
What it gets confused with
Calcite: Calcite fizzes vigorously in cold vinegar; dolomite barely reacts unless scratched to powder. Magnesite: Very similar; magnesite is usually snow-white nodular 'brains'. Aragonite: Aragonite forms prisms and needles, not curved rhombs.
What it is worth
Common and affordable.
One more thing
An entire Alpine mountain range, the Dolomites, is named after this mineral, not the other way around.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Dolomite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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