Dolomite resembles calcite in many ways, but in approximately half of the sites where there could be calcium ions in dolomite's crystal structure, there is instead a(n) _________ ion.

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Dolomite is a mineral that is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2). It resembles calcite in many ways, but in approximately half of the sites where there could be calcium ions in dolomite's crystal structure, there is instead a magnesium ion. This substitution of magnesium for calcium gives dolomite a slightly different crystal structure than calcite.

Dolomite Resembles Calcite in Many Ways, but in Approximately Half