Synonyms to luxury and modernism, dolomite, also known as dolostone, is a sedimentary rock composed of the mineral dolomite. It is a common mineral in hydrothermal veins, and it can be found in formations of hundreds or thousands of feet thick.
Dolomite is relatively soft and easily cut or cracked, hence its importance in the mining of precious metals. It is mainly used in both structural and decorative applications. It is also used in construction materials and concrete, nutritional supplements and fertilizers.
This stone has a glassy look and is generally composed of a stunning blend of colors that gives it its distinct patterns. It comes in grey, white, red, light pink, and even yellow or brown if it includes iron specks in it.
This stone has many uses, and it can be a part of your life or your house and you don’t even know it. If you want to learn a bit more about the dolomite stone, keep reading!
What is Dolomite and what are its uses?
Dolomite, often known as dolostone or dolomite rock, is a sedimentary rock largely consisting of the mineral dolomite. Acoording to Geology.com, Dolomite is found around the world in sedimentary basins. It is thought to have formed relatively recently as a result of magnesium-rich groundwater deposition modifying lime mud and limestone in limited environments such as supratidal flats in the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.
Dolomite stone is also thought to have formed about 250 million years ago as a result of the buildup of shells, corals, and calcareous algae in marine or tropical conditions. The oceans were warm and shallow, and the buildup of hundreds of meters of silt resulted in the formation of rock owing to the consequent mass and fluid loss.
The Dolomites is a mountainous region that runs across the south of Italy in the southwest between the Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. Geographically, it extends between Trentino and the north of the Veneto, and between Friuli and the northeast part of the Piedmont region. It is divided into three smaller regions: the lower “Dolomites South”, the upper “Dolomites North” and the “Dolomites Central”.
The term, or the adjective Dolomite comes from the Latin “dolerīns”, that translates to “difficult”, a semi-generic term for such mountains. These mountains are one of the largests exposures of the rock known to men, a true natural beauty.
Now, let’s see what uses this fairly common rock has in our modern lives.
Dolomite uses
Dolomite has unique features that make it available for various uses. From its color variation to its toughness, dolomite is malleable and diverse.
Ornaments
For decoration and various items, dolomite can be used as ceracmic glazes and dinnerware. There are even Christmas ornaments, plates and other crafts made out of dolomite.
Manufacturing
Its toughness is appreciated in the industry world. It is used to make cement, strengthen structures, make glass and ceramics. And even cut into slabs and blocks for uses like countertops and more. It is used in the production of types of plastic, rubber, paint and adhesives.
Horticulture
Used also as a soil mix to balance the acidity of it as well as a fertilizer. It has that same effect on water! It is a great source of magnesium for the soil as well.
Nutrition and cosmetics
You can also find dolomite in the process of making a base for face creams, baby powder and toothpaste. It is widely used for nutritional purposes for humans and animals as calcium supplements.
Therapeutic
Surprisingly, dolomite in a transparent crystal form, is known for a lot of therapeutic benefits. It is used to make salts for sadness, fatigue and nausea.
Conclusion
Dolomite is a sedimentary stone that brings value to any space it is present. The stone is claimed to strengthen the organs when worn for an extended period of time. It then cleanses the muscles, bones, teeth, nails, skin, adrenal glands, sweat glands, blood circulation, and the female reproductive system, specifically the oocytes. It’s good for your lungs, kidneys, coughs, cramps, sleep, and skin. It is effective in reducing fevers and headaches.
This beautiful stone can come in shades of gray, pink and even yellow and brown. And by its toughness and beauty it can be found in a lot of aspects of our lives. It is used in manufacturing, in kitchen countertops, ornaments, in the making of glass and cement, in the nutritional industry as a supplement for humans and animals, and even for fertilizing and helping the soil thrive! Now you know a lot more about this stone and its properties.
Are you considering using dolomite on a countertop or other home improvement? Take a look at some options in our online catalog.
