What's That Rock?Dolomite
A calcium magnesium carbonate that looks like calcite but fizzes only slowly. It often forms saddle-shaped pink crystals.
How to identify Dolomite
- Slightly harder than calcite
- Little or no fizz with cold vinegar; fizzes when powdered
- Curved, saddle-shaped crystal faces
Often confused with
Is Dolomite valuable?
Inexpensive.
Typical retail prices
Collector specimen$5–60each
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Crystals: sharp, pink saddle-shaped crystals are the collector form
- Color and clarity: clear or pink crystals cost more than white massive stone
- Rock dolostone is a common building stone with little specimen value
Uses
- Building stone, agriculture, steelmaking
Care
Soft. Avoid acids.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026