Dolostone or
dolomite rock is a
sedimentary carbonate rock that contains a high percentage of the
mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO
3)
2. In old
U.S.G.S. publications it was referred to as magnesian
limestone. However, the term is now reserved for magnesium deficient dolostones or magnesium rich limestones. Technically, dolostone has a
stoichiometric ratio of nearly equal amounts of magnesium and calcium. Most dolostones formed as a
magnesium replacement of limestone or
lime mud prior to
lithification. It is resistant to
erosion and can either contain bedded layers or be unbedded. It is less soluble than limestone in weakly
acidic groundwater, but it can still develop solution features over time. Dolostone can act as an oil and natural gas reservoir.