1. The geological process by which limestone or other carbonate rocks are converted into dolomite through the replacement of calcium carbonate with calcium magnesium carbonate.
Usage: technical; geology

Examples

• Dolomitization occurs when magnesium-rich fluids percolate through limestone deposits.
• The dolomitization of ancient carbonate platforms created significant changes in rock porosity.
• Geologists study dolomitization to understand the formation of petroleum reservoirs.
• Dolomitization can happen early in diagenesis or much later in a rock's history.
• The extent of dolomitization in this formation affects its ability to store groundwater.