Scientists have successfully grown dolomite in a laboratory setting for the first time, thanks to a new theory developed through atomic simulations. Dolomite is a common mineral found in various geological formations but has proven difficult to recreate in a lab. The breakthrough came from removing defects in the mineral’s structure during growth. Typically, calcium and magnesium attach to the growing crystal improperly, creating defects that prevent further growth. However, these defects can be dissolved away, allowing dolomite layers to form rapidly. The findings could have implications for the production of defect-free materials used in technology.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-scientists-succeed-dolomite-lab-dissolving.html