# dolomite

/ˈdoʊɫəˌmaɪt/ (US) · /dˈɒləmˌaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dolomite
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a pale mineral made of calcium and magnesium that forms grey or white rock. You see it in mountains and in stone used for building and cement.

For teachers: a rhombohedral calcium magnesium carbonate mineral that forms the sedimentary rock also called dolostone. Distinguished from limestone by magnesium content and much slower reaction to dilute acid.

## Examples

- This white cliff contains a lot of dolomite.
- The builders chose dolomite for the garden wall because it resists weather well.
- The pale peaks glow at sunset because dolomite reflects light differently than limestone, giving the mountains a soft pink colour.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.