Characteristics, types, distributions and utilization value of dolomite deposit

LIU Lihong; HAN Miao; TIAN Ya; JIANG Kunpeng; ZHANG Yan; JIANG Lei; LIU Yalei

doi:10.12029/gc20230516002

2025 Vol. 52, No. 3

Article Contents

Article navigation > Geology in China > 2025 > 52(3): 932-944

Next Article Previous Article

LIU Lihong, HAN Miao, TIAN Ya, JIANG Kunpeng, ZHANG Yan, JIANG Lei, LIU Yalei. 2025. Characteristics, types, distributions and utilization value of dolomite deposit[J]. Geology in China, 52(3): 932-944. doi: 10.12029/gc20230516002

Citation:

LIU Lihong, HAN Miao, TIAN Ya, JIANG Kunpeng, ZHANG Yan, JIANG Lei, LIU Yalei. 2025. Characteristics, types, distributions and utilization value of dolomite deposit[J]. Geology in China, 52(3): 932-944. doi: 10.12029/gc20230516002

Characteristics, types, distributions and utilization value of dolomite deposit

1.
Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources, National Key Laboratory for Multi−resource Collaborated Green Development of Continental Shale Oil, Oil and Gas Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing 100083, China
2.
Mineral Resources Research Institute, China Metallurgical Geology Bureau, Beijing 101300, China
3.
Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China

Fund Project: Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41802173), the projects of China Geological Survey (No. DD20221674, No. DD20230042, No. DD20230311) and Science and Technology Innovation Project of Oil & Gas Survey, China Geological Survey (No. 2023YC02).

More Information

Author Bio: LIU Lihong, female, born in 1982, Ph.D., senior engineer, engaged in sedimentology and petroleum geology; E-mail: liulihong713@163.com
Corresponding author: HAN Miao, male, born in 1988, Ph.D., professor level senior engineer, engaged in sedimentology and petroleum geology; E-mail: miaomiaoqing@cgs.mail.cn.

Received Date: 16 May 2023

Revised Date: 21 June 2023

Publish Date: 25 May 2025

Abstract

Abstract

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.
Objective
Dolomite not only serves as an excellent oil and gas reservoir but also represents a critical non−metallic mineral resource. Dolomite ore is a vital raw material for producing metallic magnesium. China is the world's largest holder of magnesium resource reserves and the top producer of magnesium globally. Consequently, magnesium resources are considered a key strategic mineral. Investigating the characteristics, genesis, distribution, and development value of dolomite deposits is essential for safeguarding national mineral resource security.
Methods
By compiling relevant domestic and international literature, this study systematically summarizes the characteristics, genetic mechanisms, distribution patterns, and utilization value of dolomite deposits.
Results
Dolomite is primarily composed of the mineral dolomite, which crystallizes in the trigonal system and often exhibits rhombohedral crystal forms. Based on genetic classification, dolomite can be categorized into primary dolomite, diagenetic dolomite, and epigenetic dolomite. It is widely accepted that dolomite forms predominantly through metasomatic processes, retaining varying degrees of the original limestone structure, which may be disrupted during multiple phases of dolomitization or cementation.
Conclusions
In China, dolomite deposits are distributed across nearly all geological eras, though the majority are located at significant depths, with only a fraction exposed at the surface, meeting mining requirements. Dolomite is most extensively developed in the Proterozoic and Paleozoic strata, while occurrences in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic are restricted to localized regions. Dolomite has diverse industrial applications, including use as a metallurgical flux (MgO≥15%), refractory material (MgO≥18%), raw material for magnesium extraction (MgO≥19%), cement production (MgO>18%), construction materials, pharmaceutical production of Epsom salts, agricultural fertilizers (MgO>20%), and animal feed additives. As a multifunctional non−metallic resource, China boasts abundant dolomite reserves, with metallurgical−grade dolomite resources totaling 1.875 billion tons. As the world's largest magnesium reserve holder (accounting for over 20% of global reserves) and top producer, China produced 893600 tons of primary raw magnesium in 2022, with exports exceeding 500000 tons. Magnesium resources thus hold strategic importance, and the rapid growth of the magnesium industry is expected to drive increased demand for dolomite mineral resources.
- dolomite deposits /
- mineral characteristics /
- genetic types /
- distribution features /
- utilization value /
- mineral exploration engineering

FullText(HTML)

References

[1]	Bissell H J, Chilingar G V. 1967. Classification of sedimentary carbonate rocks[C]//Chilingar G V, Bissel H J, Fairbridge R W(eds.). Carbonate rocks A−Developments in sedimentology. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 87−168. Google Scholar
[2]	Chen Ya’na, Shen Anjiang, Pan Liyin, Zhang Jie, Wang Xiaofang. 2017. Features, origin and distribution of microbial dolomite reservoirs: A case study of 4th member of Sinian Dengying Formation in Sichuan Basin, SW China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 44(5): 704−715 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[3]	Eriksson P G, Banerjee S, Catuneanu O, Corcoran P L, Eriksson K A, Hiatt E E, Laflamme M, Lenhardt N, Long D G F, Miall A D. 2013. Secular changes in sedimentation systems and sequence stratigraphy[J]. Gondwana Research, 24(2): 468−489. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2012.09.008 CrossRef Google Scholar
[4]	Feng Youliang, Zhang Yijie, Wang Ruiju, Zhang Guangya, Wu Wei’an. 2011. Dolomites genesis and hydrocarbon enrichment of the Fengcheng Formation in the northwestern margin of Junggar Basin[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 38(6): 685−692 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[5]	He Zhiliang, Ma Yongsheng, Zhang Juntao, Zhu Dongya, Qian Yixiong, Ding Qian, Chen Daizhao. 2020. Distribution, genetic, mechanism and control factors of dolomite and dolomite reservoirs in China[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 41(1): 1−14 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[6]	Hu Junjie, Li Qi, Wang Shuangqing, Shen Bin, Chen Ruoyu, Ge Dongsheng. 2014. Petrological and geochemical characteristics of dolomite of Zhanjin Formation in Jiaomuchaka area, Qiangtang Basin[J]. Lithologic Reservoirs, 26(5): 80−85,118 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[7]	Huang Sijing. 2010. Carbonate Diagenesis[M]. Beijing: Geological Publishing House (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[8]	Jiang L, Xu Z H, Shi S Y, Liu W. 2019. Multiphase dolomitization of a microbialite−dominated gas reservoir, the middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation, Sichuan Basin, China[J]. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 180: 820−834. doi: 10.1016/j.petrol.2019.05.014 CrossRef Google Scholar
[9]	Li Hua, Fan Wenyu, Zhang Jianlong, Zhang Xingpei, Arska, Zhou Yimin. 2017. Ore−controlling factors of the Chang’an gold deposit in southern Ailaoshan metallogenic belt and its prospecting significance[J]. Contribution to Geology and Mineal Resources Research, 32(4): 535−543 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[10]	Li Minglong, Tan Xiucheng, Su Chengpeng, Lu Feifan, Zhang Benjian, Pan Zhengyi, Xiao Di. 2020. Characteristics and genesis of sucrosic dolomite in Middle Permian Chihsia Formation, Northwest Sichuan Basin: A case study from Shangsi section[J]. Geological Review, 66(3): 591−610 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[11]	Li Yafei. 2018. Characteristics of metallurgical magnesium dolomite deposit in Zhuanyaogou mine area, Shanxi[J]. Mineral Exploration, 9(6): 1212−1216 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[12]	Liu Changyin, Chu Qiang. 1993. The development and application of dolomite[J]. China Mining, (4): 17−21 (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[13]	Liu L H, Ma Y S, Liu B, Wang C L. 2017. Hydrothermal dissolution of Ordovician carbonates rocks and its dissolution mechanism in Tarim Basin, China[J]. Carbonates Evaporites, 32: 525−537. doi: 10.1007/s13146-016-0309-2 CrossRef Google Scholar
[14]	Liu Lihong, Gao Yongjin, Wang Dandan, Bai Zhongkai, Zhang Yuanyin, Han Miao. 2021. The impact of gypsum salt rock on Cambrian subsalt dolomite reservoir in Tarim Basin[J]. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 40(1): 109−120 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[15]	Liu Lihong, Wang Chunlian, Li Lixia, Du Zhili, Tang Yue, Han Miao. 2020. The characteristics and formation mechanism of Ordovician dolomite in Member 6 of Majiagou Formation in South Ordos Basin[J]. Geology in China, 47(3): 810−820 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[16]	Liu Lihong, Han Miao, Gao Yongjin, Zhang Yuanyin, Liu Chengxin, Duan Ye, Yang Youxing, Jiang Kunpeng. 2023. Main reservoir controlling factors and diagenetic evolution of the Xiao'erbulak Formation of Tarim Basin, NW China: A case study of Well KPN1 in Kalpin area[J]. Journal of Natural Gas Geoscience, 34(5): 763−779(in Chinese withEnglish abstract). Google Scholar
[17]	Mckenzie J A, Vasconcelos C. 2009. Dolomite Mountains and the origin of the dolomite rock of which they mainly consist: Historical developments and new perspectives[J]. Sedimentology, 56: 205−219. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3091.2008.01027.x CrossRef Google Scholar
[18]	Mineral Resource Industry Requirements Manual Editorial Board. 2010. Handbook of Mineral Resource Industry Requirements[M]. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 543−546(in Chinese). Google Scholar
[19]	Morrow D W. 1982. Diagenesis 1. Dolomite−part 1: The chemistry of dolomitization and dolomite precipitation[J]. Geoscience Canada, 9: 5−13. Google Scholar
[20]	Peter A Scholle, Dana S Ulmer−Scholle. 2010. A Color Guide to the Petrography of Carbonate Rocks: Grains, Textures, Porosity, Diagenesis[M]. Translated by Yao Genshun, Shen Anjiang Pan Wenqing, Zheng Xingping, Zheng Jianfeng, Lu Junming, Luo Xianying. Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[21]	Qian Yixiong, Chu Chenglin, Liyuejun, Zhang Qingzhen, Li Wangpeng, Yang Xin. 2021. Characteristics, enviornment and geological dating of primary dolomite in the Neoproterozoic Pingwagou Formation at Hongliugou, Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 42(3): 570−586 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[22]	Ran Longhui. 2006. On the prospect of natural gas exploration in Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 26(12): 42−44 (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[23]	Song Chengchen. 2020. Geological characteristics and processing technology of Sanqiaogou limestone−dolomite deposit for building materials in Dangyang, Hubei Province[J]. Western Resources, (3): 10−12 (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[24]	Wan Youli, Wang Jian, Fu Xiugen, Wang Dong. 2020. Geochemical tracing of isotopic fluid of dolomite reservoir in the Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation in southern depression of Qiangtang Basin[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 41(1): 189−200 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[25]	Wang Huilin. 2020. Industrial value analysis of magnesium−smelting dolomite in Donghui Town, Pingding County[J]. Huabei Natural Resources, (2): 48−49 (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[26]	Wu Shiqiang, Chen Fengling, Jiang Zaixing, Kong Xiangxin, Chen Chen, Guan Wenjing. 2020. Origin of Qianjiang Formation dolostone in Qianjiang Sag, Jianghan Basin[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 41(1): 201−208 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[27]	Xie Quanmin, Li Feng, Ma Caiqin. 2001. Geological characteristics and distribution of oil and water in Silurian buried hill reservoir in Yaerxia oilfield, Jiuxi basin[J]. Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs, 8(4): 5−7 (in Chinese). Google Scholar
[28]	Yang Hequn, Ai Ning, Mao Zili, Wu Dan. 2015. A history of Ningxia dolomite for magnesium smelting[J]. Northwestern Geology, 48(3): 139(in Chinese). Google Scholar
[29]	Zhang Man, Wu Xiaobin, Yan Baohua, Wu Song, Meng Qingquan, Fang Xiaomin, Song Chunhui. 2012. Sedimentary evolution and microfacies analysis of the Late Cretaceous Oligocene from Wuqia Area in the Northwestern Tarim Basin[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 30(3): 501−510 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[30]	Zhang Yongsheng, Hou Xianhua, Zhang Haiqing, Yang Yuqing. 2006. Sedimentary characteristics and formation mechanism of peneprimary dolostone in the Upper Eocene salt−bearing interval in Qianjiang Sag, Jianghan Basin[J]. Journal of Palaeogeography, 8(4): 441−455 (in Chinese with English abstract). Google Scholar
[31]	彼得·A 肖勒, 达娜·S 厄尔默−肖勒. 2010. 碳酸盐岩岩石学: 颗粒, 结构, 孔隙及成岩作用[M]. 姚根顺, 沈安江, 潘文庆, 郑兴平, 郑剑锋, 陆俊明, 罗宪婴译. 北京: 石油工业出版社. Google Scholar
[32]	陈娅娜, 沈安江, 潘立银, 张杰, 王小芳. 2017. 微生物白云岩储集层特征、成因和分布—以四川盆地震旦系灯影组四段为例[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 44(5): 704−715. Google Scholar
[33]	冯有良, 张义杰, 王瑞菊, 张光亚, 吴卫安. 2011. 准噶尔盆地西北缘风城组白云岩成因及油气富集因素[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 38(6): 685−692. Google Scholar
[34]	何治亮, 马永生, 张军涛, 朱东亚, 钱一雄, 丁茜, 陈代钊. 2020. 中国的白云岩与白云岩储层: 分布、成因与控制因素[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 41(1): 1−14. Google Scholar
[35]	胡俊杰, 李琦, 汪双清, 沈斌, 陈若瑜, 葛东升. 2014. 羌塘盆地角木茶卡地区展金组白云岩岩石学及地球化学特征[J]. 岩性油气藏, 26(5): 80−85,118. Google Scholar
[36]	黄思静. 2010. 碳酸盐岩的成岩作用[M]. 北京: 地质出版社. Google Scholar
[37]	矿产资源工业要求手册编委会. 2010. 矿产资源工业要求手册[M]. 北京: 地质出版社: 543−546. Google Scholar
[38]	李华, 范文玉, 张建龙, 张星培, 艾斯卡尔, 周一敏. 2017. 哀牢山成矿带南段长安金矿控矿因素及其找矿指示意义[J]. 地质找矿论丛, 32(4): 535−543. Google Scholar
[39]	李明隆, 谭秀成, 苏成鹏, 芦飞凡, 张本健, 潘政屹, 肖笛. 2020. 四川盆地西北部中二叠统栖霞组砂糖状白云岩特征及成因机制—以广元上寺剖面为例[J]. 地质论评, 66(3): 591−610. Google Scholar
[40]	李亚非. 2018. 山西砖窑沟矿区冶镁白云岩矿床特征[J]. 矿产勘查, 9(6): 1212−1216. Google Scholar
[41]	厉建华, 胡福培. 2009. 江苏徐州贾汪大京山白云岩矿床特征及开发利用前景[J]. 地质学刊, 33(3): 268−271. Google Scholar
[42]	刘昌寅, 褚强. 1993. 白云岩的开发与应用[J]. 中国矿业, (4): 17−21. Google Scholar
[43]	刘丽红, 高永进, 王丹丹, 白忠凯, 张远银, 韩淼. 2021. 塔里木盆地寒武系膏盐岩对盐下白云岩储层的影响[J]. 岩石矿物学杂志, 40(1): 109−120. Google Scholar
[44]	刘丽红, 韩淼, 高永进, 张远银, 刘成鑫, 段野, 杨有星, 姜鹍鹏. 2023. 塔西北地区寒武系肖尔布拉克组储层发育主控因素及成岩演化过程—以柯坪南1井为例[J]. 天然气地球科学, 34(5): 763−779. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2023.01.013 CrossRef Google Scholar
[45]	刘丽红, 王春连, 李丽霞, 杜治利, 唐跃, 韩淼. 2020. 鄂尔多斯盆地南部奥陶系马六段白云岩特征及形成机制研究[J]. 中国地质, 47(3): 810−820. doi: 10.12029/gc20200318 CrossRef Google Scholar
[46]	钱一雄, 储呈林, 李曰俊, 张庆珍, 李王鹏, 杨鑫. 2021. 新疆若羌县红柳沟新元古界平洼沟组原生白云岩特征、沉积环境及年代厘定[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 42(3): 570−586. doi: 10.11743/ogg20210304 CrossRef Google Scholar
[47]	冉隆辉. 2006. 论四川盆地天然气勘探前景[J]. 天然气工业, 26(12): 42−44. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-0976.2006.12.009 CrossRef Google Scholar
[48]	宋澄尘. 2020. 湖北当阳三桥大沟建材用灰岩−白云岩矿床地质特征及加工技术性能[J]. 西部资源, (3): 10−12. Google Scholar
[49]	万友利, 王剑, 付修根, 王东. 2020. 羌塘盆地南坳陷中侏罗统布曲组白云岩储层成因流体同位素地球化学示踪[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 41(1): 189−200. doi: 10.11743/ogg20200117 CrossRef Google Scholar
[50]	王会林. 2020. 平定县东回镇冶镁白云岩工业价值分析[J]. 华北自然资源, (2): 48−49. Google Scholar
[51]	吴世强, 陈凤玲, 姜在兴, 孔祥鑫, 陈晨, 管文静. 2020. 江汉盆地潜江凹陷古近系潜江组白云岩成因[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 41(1): 201−208. doi: 10.11743/ogg20200118 CrossRef Google Scholar
[52]	谢全民, 李锋, 马彩琴. 2001. 酒西盆地鸭儿峡油田志留系潜山油藏地质特征及油水分布[J]. 特种油气藏, 8(4): 5−7. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-6535.2001.04.002 CrossRef Google Scholar
[53]	杨合群, 艾宁, 毛自力, 武丹. 2015. 宁夏白云岩冶镁史话[J]. 西北地质, 48(3): 139. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-6248.2015.03.014 CrossRef Google Scholar
[54]	张曼, 吴小斌, 闫宝华, 吴松, 孟庆泉, 方小敏, 宋春晖. 2012. 塔里木盆地西北缘乌恰地区晚白垩世—渐新世微相分析及沉积演化[J]. 沉积学报, 30(3): 501−510. Google Scholar
[55]	张永生, 侯献华, 张海清, 杨玉卿. 2006. 江汉盆地潜江凹陷上始新统含盐岩系准原生白云岩的沉积学特征与形成机理[J]. 古地理学报, 8(4): 441−455. Google Scholar