what is dolomite used for

what is dolomite used for

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Nature

Dolomite is a mineral that is used for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the uses of dolomite:

  • Source of magnesium and calcium: Dolomite is used as a source of magnesium metal and magnesia (MgO), which is a constituent of refractory bricks. It is also used as a feed additive for livestock, a sintering agent and flux in metal processing, and as an ingredient in the production of glass, bricks, and ceramics.

  • Construction industry: Dolostone, which is a type of rock that contains dolomite, is crushed and sized for use as a road base material, an aggregate in concrete and asphalt, railroad ballast, rip-rap, or fill. It is also calcined in the production of cement and cut into blocks of specific size known as "dimension stone".

  • Soil conditioner: Dolomite is used as a soil conditioner and for acid neutralization in the chemical industry.

  • Hydrothermal veins: Dolomite is a common mineral in hydrothermal veins, where it is often associated with barite, fluorite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, or sphalerite. In these veins, it often occurs as rhombohedral crystals which sometimes have curved faces.

  • Other uses: Dolomite is also used as an oil and gas reservoir rock, and it serves as a flux in blast furnaces. It is used as an aggregate for both cement and bitumen mixes and as a building material.

It is important to note that dolomite products might be contaminated with heavy metals like aluminum, arsenic, lead, mercury, and nickel, which can be harmful to human health. Therefore, it is important to choose a safe calcium or magnesium supplement.

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