By Chisom Ibemere
Dolomite also called magnessium carbonate is a mineral basically found with limestones and sedimentary rocks. It usually has lead, zinc and silver sulphide deposits. It is an essential source and reservoir rock for hydrocarbons.
Dolomite has no known specific Origin by the geologists. It is believed by some that it is precipitated basically from sea water while others believed it to be from a production of post -depositional changes of Calcitic Carbonates.
Dolomites are major constituents of the metamorphic rock known as Dolomite marbles and sedimentary rock, Dolostones. Dolostones is commonly used in the construction industry. They are used in road base materials, in concrete and asphalt and railroad ballast. They are equally used in the chemical industry for acid neutralization in stream restoration projects and in soil conditioning.
They are used as additive for livestock feed and also as an ingredient in the production of ceramics, glasses and bricks.
Dolomite occurs in many locations in Nigeria especially in Abuja, Edo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Yobe and Oyo states. They result from the hydrothermal metasomatism of limestone.
Nigeria is blessed with over 120 different mineral resources and dolomite is one of the profitable minerals traded in Nigeria.
