Dolomite is a prevalent rock-forming mineral characterized as a calcium magnesium carbonate with the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)2. It serves as the principal component of the sedimentary rock known as dolostone, as well as the metamorphic rock referred to as dolomitic marble. Limestone that contains a significant proportion of dolomite is categorized as dolomitic limestone. Although dolomite is infrequently observed in contemporary sedimentary environments, dolostones are abundantly represented in the geological record. These formations can spread over extensive geographic areas and may reach thicknesses of hundreds to thousands of feet. The majority of dolomite-rich rocks were initially deposited as calcium carbonate muds, which underwent post-depositional alteration due to magnesium-rich pore water, resulting in the formation of dolomite.
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