1. What is dolomite stone?

Dolomite is a sedimentary mineral and rock whose chemical formula is CaMg(CO₃)₂. It forms in layered deposits and commonly appears white, gray, pink or light green depending on impurities. Dolomite is widely used as a construction and industrial mineral, a flux in steelmaking, a soil conditioner, and a raw material for magnesium compounds and refractory products.

 

2. Physical and chemical properties that matter for grinding

2.1 Chemical composition and reaction behavior

Dolomite is a double carbonate of calcium and magnesium (CaMg(CO₃)₂). In powdered form it is relatively inert to weak acids (reacts slowly with diluted hydrochloric acid) and is often used as a neutralizing agent or filler where chemical stability is required.

 

2.2 Hardness, density and friability (why these matter)

Key numbers for processing: Mohs hardness ≈ 3.5–4, specific gravity ≈ 2.8–2.9. Because dolomite is relatively soft and brittle compared with many ores, it fractures readily under mechanical action — a helpful trait for grinding machines. However impurities (silica/quartz veins) raise abrasiveness and change equipment wear profiles.

 

2.3 Typical industrial uses that require powdered dolomite

Construction fillers (paints, plastics, rubber)

Agricultural lime and soil amendment

Glass and ceramics raw material

Metallurgical flux and refractory components

3. Can a Raymond mill crush or grind dolomite?

Short answer: a Raymond mill is suitable for grinding dolomite (it is a grinding — not a primary crushing — machine). Raymond mills are commonly used to produce fine powder from minerals like dolomite because dolomite's Mohs hardness (~3.5–4) falls well within typical Raymond mill capabilities.

 

3.1 Raymond mill capabilities — what to expect

Typical characteristics of Raymond grinding systems relevant to dolomite:

 

Acceptable feed size commonly up to ~15–30 mm (larger rocks must be pre-crushed).

Discharge (finished) particle sizes often adjustable in ranges such as 45–180 μm (about 80–325 mesh), depending on classifier settings and model.

Recommended material moisture typically below ~6% (higher moisture leads to clogging or decreased efficiency).

3.2 Crushing vs grinding — where Raymond mill sits in the process

A Raymond mill performs fine grinding (comminution and classification) rather than primary crushing. Typical process flow for dolomite is: primary crusher (jaw or impact) → secondary crushing (cone or impact, if needed) → screening → Raymond mill (final grinding + air classifier) → collection. Pre-crushing ensures feed size within Raymond mill limits and reduces wear.

 

4. Practical parameters and recommended setup for dolomite processing

4.1 Feed preparation and pre-crushing

To protect the Raymond mill and guarantee stable performance, prepare feed as follows:

 

Crush raw dolomite to ≤20–30 mm before feeding the Raymond mill.

Remove oversize impurities (steel, large silica lumps) and sort by screen if feed is uneven.

Dry or pre-screen material if moisture exceeds ~6% to prevent agglomeration.

4.2 Target fineness, capacity and model selection

Choose Raymond mill model based on target mesh and capacity. Typical examples:

 

Target Fineness (mesh) Typical Output (t/h) — approximate Common Use

80–150 mesh (180–100 µm) 0.5–6 t/h Fillers, construction

200–325 mesh (75–45 µm) 0.3–4 t/h Paints, polymers

>325 mesh (<45 µm) Specialty/ultrafine models: 0.1–2 t/h High-grade fillers, pigments

5. Wear, maintenance and quality control concerns

5.1 Abrasion, liners and roller wear

Although dolomite is relatively soft, impurities (silica/quartz) increase abrasiveness and accelerate wear on grinding rollers, ring, and classifier blades. Choose wear-resistant alloys for rollers and replace liners on a scheduled basis. Monitor vibration and power draw as early warning of abnormal wear.

 

5.2 Process control and dust handling

Install a reliable air classifier and dust collection (bag filter) to capture fines and protect workplace air quality. Adjust classifier speed to tune particle size and use closed-circuit pneumatic return for maximum yield and consistent product.

 

6. When NOT to use a Raymond mill (and alternatives)

Choose alternatives when feed conditions or product targets conflict with Raymond mill strengths:

 

If raw material contains >6% moisture and cannot be dried, vertical roller mill or ball mill with drying system may be better.

If very high throughput (dozens to hundreds t/h) and coarse grinding is needed, consider vertical roller mills or large ball mills.

If feed is extremely abrasive (high quartz content), a sturdier ball mill or specialized abrasion-resistant equipment may lower long-term operating cost.

7. Quick operational checklist before commissioning

Confirm feed size distribution — pre-crush if >30 mm.

Measure moisture; target <6% for best performance.

Select classifier settings for target mesh and run a short pilot trial.

Plan spare parts inventory for rollers, rings, and filter bags.

Set up emission controls and product sampling protocols.

8. Summary — practical answer to the core question

Yes — a Raymond mill can effectively grind dolomite into a range of fine particle sizes when the feed is prepared properly (pre-crushed to ≤20–30 mm, moisture controlled below ~6%), the correct model is chosen for desired capacity and fineness, and wear/dust controls are in place. For extremely high throughput, very wet feeds, or highly abrasive impurities, consider alternative grinding systems or pre-processing steps.