Background
- Dolomite is a sedimentary carbonate rock or mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate crystals. Dolomite was first described in 1791 by the French naturalist and geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750-1801). He observed dolomite in a mountain group in northern Italy, now named the Dolomite Alps. Dolomite rock (or dolostone) is mainly composed of the mineral dolomite. Dolomitic limestone (or magnesian limestone) is limestone that is partially replaced by dolomite.
- Dolomite is commonly used for its potential ability to act as a calcium and magnesium supplement, although its safety and effectiveness as such has yet to be proven. Evidence supporting dolomite's use in any other human condition is lacking.
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