carbonate mineral

Carbonate minerals are naturally occurring solid substances composed mainly of carbon and oxygen, combined with metals like calcium, magnesium, or iron. They form through the accumulation of biological activity, mineral precipitation in water, or geological processes over time. Common examples include calcite and dolomite, which make up limestone and marble. These minerals are important in the Earth's carbon cycle, serve as major building materials, and are used in manufacturing. Their crystalline structures influence their physical properties, such as solubility and hardness, making them significant in both geological and industrial contexts.