From:
John Twilley <jtwilley@zzzzzzzzzzz>
Date:
Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:51:51 -0400
Subject:
marble or dolomite
Sorry, Gary, but nothing could be further from the truth. Dolomite is
both harder than calcite by a full step on the Mhos scale and much more
resistant to dissolution by rain water and urban pollution. They are
both carbonates but will perform quite a bit differently. For
sculptors, the differences between limestone textures and grain size
that have to do with factors other than the proportions of calcite and
dolomite may overide the carving behavior differences due to which
mineral is involved. However, when other factors are equivalent the
dolomite will be harder and more durable.
The two minerals are often found together in limestones and marble, so
many cases are not exclusively one or the other. Visual differences are
not reliable for distinguishing them but how they react to vinegar will
usually distinguish. The calcite is much more rapidly attacked.
John Twilley
gary grossman wrote:
Quoted text begins.Chemically, in pure form, these rocks are the same.
End of quote.
- Follow-ups
- message 00275: marble or dolomite - John Vancamp (21 Jun 2006)
- References
- message 00271: marble or dolomite - Oscar Bearinger (20 Jun 2006)
- message 00273: marble or dolomite - gary grossman (20 Jun 2006)
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