dolomite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dolomite” mean?
A white or lightly tinted mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white or lightly tinted mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂.
1. The rock primarily composed of the mineral dolomite. 2. A sedimentary rock formation (the Dolomite Alps) in Northern Italy. 3. (In materials/agriculture) Crushed dolomite rock used as a construction aggregate, soil conditioner, or source of magnesium.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. Spelling is identical. The geographical reference 'the Dolomites' is equally understood.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations. In gardening/DIY contexts, 'dolomite lime' is a common product in both markets.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in everyday speech, but standard in geological, geographical, and certain industrial/agricultural contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dolomite” in a Sentence
The [noun] is composed of/interbedded with dolomite.Dolomite forms/is found in [geographical/geological context].to apply/treat with dolomite (lime).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolomite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The limestone has been partially dolomitised over millennia.
- The process to dolomitise the rock requires magnesium-rich fluids.
American English
- The limestone has been partially dolomitized over millennia.
- The process to dolomitize the rock requires magnesium-rich fluids.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The dolomitic cliffs are strikingly pale.
- They used a dolomitic limestone for the aggregate.
American English
- The dolomitic cliffs are strikingly pale.
- They used a dolomitic limestone for the aggregate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Primarily in mining, construction materials, or agricultural supply sectors.
Academic
Core term in geology, earth sciences, physical geography, and materials science.
Everyday
Rare, except in reference to the Italian mountain range ('the Dolomites') or in gardening ('dolomite lime').
Technical
Precise mineralogical and petrological term; used in geological surveys, engineering, and soil science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolomite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dolomite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolomite”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈdɒləmɪt/ (missing the second 'i' sound).
- Confusing 'dolomite' (the mineral/rock) with 'the Dolomites' (the mountains).
- Using 'dolomite' as a general term for any limestone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they are related. Limestone is primarily calcium carbonate (calcite). Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate. Dolomite often forms from limestone that has been altered by magnesium-rich water.
They are named after the French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750–1801), who first described the rock type found there.
In precise geological terminology, 'dolostone' refers specifically to the rock, while 'dolomite' refers primarily to the mineral. However, in many contexts, 'dolomite' is used for both.
As an industrial mineral, yes. It is quarried for construction aggregate, as a source of magnesium, for making magnesia cement, and as a flux in iron and steel making.
A white or lightly tinted mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂.
Dolomite is usually technical / scientific in register.
Dolomite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒləˌmaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdoʊləˌmaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DO Lots Of Magnesium In The Earth' – DOLOMITE.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not strongly metaphorical. Possibly 'Dolomite as a bone of the earth' due to its calcium content and structural role.]
Practice
Quiz
In a gardening context, what is 'dolomite lime' primarily used for?