What is the difference between dolomite and limestone?

Both are carbonate sedimentary rocks. * Limestone is calcium carbonate. Dolomite is Calcium and Magnesium carbonate. * To distinguish limestone from dolomite dilute hydrochloric acid is used. read more

Both limestone and dolomite are types of rock made of carbonate residues. The patterns of the way they behave chemically are almost the same with varied intensities. However, the structure and the formation of these rocks are quite different. read more

Limestone is a calcium carbonate mineral whereas dolomite is made of calcium magnesium carbonate. Sand, clay and silt are commonly found in limestone as impurities but not quite common in dolomite. Calcite limestone is usually more expensive than dolomite. read more

The primary difference lies in the use of magnesium: Dolomite lime contains large amounts of magnesium along with calcium carbonate while calcitic lime only contains calcium carbonate. Magnesium is an important mineral for plant health. read more