Scientists explain and replicate dolomite formation by removing growth defects

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:57:00 +0200

Scientists from the University of Michigan and Hokkaido University have resolved a long-standing geological mystery known as the “Dolomite Problem,” which puzzled researchers for over 200 years. Dolomite is a common mineral found in ancient rocks, yet it rarely forms in modern environments, and previous attempts to grow it in laboratory conditions had consistently failed. The breakthrough came from understanding that dolomite growth is hindered by atomic-scale defects that arise when calcium and magnesium atoms attach in the wrong order during crystal formation. These defects effectively halt further growth, making the process extremely slow—potentially taking millions of years to form a single ordered layer.

The researchers discovered that in natural environments, these defects are not permanent. Water plays a critical role by dissolving unstable, misaligned atoms through repeated cycles such as rainfall or tidal activity. This natural “reset” mechanism clears the crystal surface, al