Carbonate mineral

Carbonate minerals are a class of minerals that are characterized by the presence of the carbonate ion, CO₃²⁻. They are a significant part of the Earth's crust and are found in many different geological environments, from igneous rocks to sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks.

Formation

Carbonate minerals form through a variety of processes, including precipitation from water, reaction with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or water, and biological processes. They are often formed in marine environments, where the abundance of calcium and carbon dioxide in seawater facilitates their formation.

Types of Carbonate Minerals

There are many different types of carbonate minerals, but the most common ones are calcite, dolomite, and aragonite. These minerals have different crystal structures and physical properties, but they all contain the carbonate ion.

Calcite

Calcite is the most common carbonate mineral and is the primary constituent of limestone and marble. It forms in a variety of geological environments, from sedimentary rocks to metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a carbonate mineral that is often found in association with calcite. It is named after the French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu.

Aragonite

Aragonite is a less common carbonate mineral that is often found in marine environments. It is less stable than calcite and often recrystallizes to calcite over time.

Economic Importance

Carbonate minerals are economically important as they are a major source of calcium carbonate, which is used in a wide range of industries, from construction to the manufacture of paper. They are also a major source of magnesium in the form of dolomite.

See Also

• List of minerals
• Sedimentary rock
• Metamorphic rock
• Igneous rock