Formation of Dolomite and Limestone

Dolomite

Limestone

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Formation

Dolomite rocks are originally deposited as calcite or aragonite rich limestone, but during diagenesis process, the calcite or aragonite is transformed into dolomite.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock which is mainly made up of calcium carbonate.

Composition

Mineral Content

Clay Minerals, Pyrite, Quartz, Sulfides

Calcite, Chert, Clay, Dolomite, Quartz, Sand, Silt

Compound Content

NaCl, CaO, Carbon Dioxide, Magnesium Carbonate, MgO

Aluminium Oxide, NaCl, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, MgO

Transformation

Metamorphism

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Types of Metamorphism

Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism

Weathering

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Types of Weathering

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

Erosion

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Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion

Dolomite and Limestone Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Dolomite and Limestone formation sounds very interesting. According to the formation, all rocks are divided into :Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks. Igneous rocks form by crystallization of magma or lava. The magma is made up of various components of pre-existing rocks which have been subjected to melting either at subduction zones or within the Earth's mantle. Igneous rocks are generally seen at mid ocean ridges or in intra-plate hotspots. Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments accumulate gradually. As the sediments are buried they get compacted as more and more material is deposited on top. Eventually the sediments become so dense that they form a rock. Metamorphic rocks are rocks which once existed as igneous or sedimentary rocks but have been subjected to varying degrees of pressure and heat within the Earth's crust. Get to know all about formation of Dolomite and Limestone, composition of Dolomite and Limestone and their transformation.