Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Francis
If you are interested in geology and minerals, then you have likely heard of the fascinating Mohs hardness scale. This scale is used to measure the hardness of various minerals and is used to determine which minerals can scratch each other. In this article, we will explore which mineral scratches Dolomite and is scratched by Olivine. We will also delve into the Mohs hardness scale and why it is so important for identifying minerals.
What is Dolomite and Olivine?
Dolomite is a calcium magnesium carbonate mineral found in sedimentary rocks and is also a significant component of some limestones. It is made up of two primary components, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Dolomite is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Olivine is a mineral composed of magnesium iron silicate. It is an abundant mineral in the upper mantle and is commonly found in meteorites and basalts. Olivine has a glassy and vitreous luster and is often used as a gemstone. It is also used in some industrial applications such as abrasives and refractories.
What Mineral Scratches Dolomite?
Dolomite is considered to be a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4. It is typically only scratched by minerals with higher Mohs hardness values. The mineral that scratches dolomite is quartz, which has a Mohs hardness of 7. Quartz is found in both sedimentary and igneous rocks, and is a common component of many sandstones.
Quartz is a very hard mineral, and is able to scratch dolomite due to its higher Mohs hardness. It is also a common mineral and can be found in many different types of rock formations.
Another mineral that is able to scratch dolomite is olivine. Olivine has a Mohs hardness of 6-7, and is therefore harder than dolomite. Olivine is found in both igneous and metamorphic rocks, and is also used in some industrial applications.
What Mineral is Scratched by Olivine?
Olivine has a Mohs hardness of 6-7, so it is able to scratch many minerals that have a lower Mohs hardness. The most common minerals that are scratched by olivine are those with a Mohs hardness of 6 or lower. These include calcite (Mohs hardness of 3), gypsum (Mohs hardness of 2), and talc (Mohs hardness of 1).
Olivine is also able to scratch minerals with a Mohs hardness of 7, such as quartz. Quartz is a very hard mineral, and is often used as an abrasive. It is found in both sedimentary and igneous rocks, and is a common component of many sandstones.
Another mineral that is scratched by olivine is dolomite. Dolomite is a calcium magnesium carbonate mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4. It is typically only scratched by minerals with higher Mohs hardness values, such as olivine.
Uses of Dolomite and Olivine
Dolomite is an important mineral with a variety of uses. It is used in the production of cement and fertilizers, as well as in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Dolomite is also used in the construction industry, as an aggregate in concrete and asphalt.
Olivine is a mineral that has a variety of uses. It is used in the production of refractories and abrasives, as well as in some industrial applications. Olivine is also used in jewelry and as a gemstone.
Conclusion
Dolomite is a soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4. It is typically only scratched by minerals with higher Mohs hardness values, such as quartz and olivine. Olivine is a mineral that has a Mohs hardness of 6-7, and is able to scratch minerals with a Mohs hardness of 6 or lower, as well as dolomite. Both dolomite and olivine have a variety of uses, including in the production of cement, fertilizers, glass, and ceramics, as well as in the construction industry and in jewelry.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is Dolomite?
Answer: Dolomite is a carbonate mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. It is found mainly in sedimentary rocks and is often associated with limestone and calcite. Dolomite is also an important rock-forming mineral, forming a major part of the sedimentary rock known as dolostone. It is an important source of calcium and magnesium for agricultural and industrial use.
Question 2: What is Olivine?
Answer: Olivine is a group of minerals composed of magnesium iron silicates. It is usually found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is an important rock-forming mineral. Olivine is also found in some meteorites and is used in jewelry and industrial applications. Olivine has a hardness of between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively hard mineral.
Question 3: Which Mineral Scratches Dolomite?
Answer: The mineral that scratches Dolomite is Corundum. Corundum is an aluminum oxide with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it the second hardest mineral after diamond. Corundum can easily scratch Dolomite, making it useful in testing for the presence of Dolomite in rocks and minerals.
Question 4: What is the Hardness of Corundum?
Answer: Corundum is an aluminum oxide with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it the second hardest mineral after diamond and able to easily scratch Dolomite. Corundum is often used in jewelry and industrial applications due to its hardness.
Question 5: What is the Hardness of Olivine?
Answer: Olivine has a hardness of between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively hard mineral. Olivine is found mainly in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is an important rock-forming mineral. Olivine is also found in some meteorites and is used in jewelry and industrial applications.
Question 6: Which Mineral is Scratched by Olivine?
Answer: Olivine is able to scratch many minerals that are softer than it, including Talc (with a hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale), Gypsum (with a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale), and Calcite (with a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale). Olivine is also able to scratch Dolomite (with a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale).
The answer to this question is clear: olivine is the mineral that scratches dolomite. As such, olivine is an important mineral when it comes to testing the hardness of rocks and minerals. The scratch test is an easy and effective way to identify the hardness of different rocks and minerals, and knowing which mineral scratches dolomite and which is scratched by it is an essential part of the process. With a little bit of knowledge and practice, anyone can learn how to use the scratch test to identify the hardness of rocks and minerals.
