dolomite

[ doh-luh-mahyt, dol-uh- ]
/ ˈdoʊ ləˌmaɪt, ˈdɒl ə- /

noun

a very common mineral, calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO3)2, occurring in crystals and in masses.
a rock consisting essentially or largely of this mineral.

Origin of dolomite

1785–95; < French, named after D. de Dolom( ieu) (1750–1801), French mineralogist; see -ite1

OTHER WORDS FROM dolomite

dol·o·mit·ic [dol-uh-mit-ik] /ˌdɒl əˈmɪt ɪk/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for dolomite

British Dictionary definitions for dolomite

dolomite
/ (ˈdɒləˌmaɪt) /

noun

a white mineral often tinted by impurities, found in sedimentary rocks and veins. It is used in the manufacture of cement and as a building stone (marble). Composition: calcium magnesium carbonate. Formula: CaMg(CO 3) 2 . Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral)
a sedimentary rock resembling limestone but consisting principally of the mineral dolomite. It is an important source of magnesium and its compounds, and is used as a building material and refractory

Derived forms of dolomite

dolomitic (ˌdɒləˈmɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for dolomite

C18: named after Déodat de Dolomieu (1750–1801), French mineralogist

Scientific definitions for dolomite

dolomite
[ dōlə-mīt′, dŏlə-mīt′ ]

A gray, pink, or white rhombohedral mineral. Dolomite occurs in curved saddlelike crystals with a pearly to glassy luster. It is a common rock-forming mineral. Chemical formula: CaMg(CO3)2.
A sedimentary rock containing more than 50 percent of the mineral dolomite by weight.