Dolomite powder is the fine-mesh form of dolomite, ground to 200, 300, or 400 mesh for applications requiring a white mineral filler: paint (as an extender pigment that improves coverage and durability), wall putty (as the primary filler providing bulk and smooth finish), ceramic tile body (as a flux that reduces firing temperature), and rubber/plastic compounding (as an inert filler). Our Bhavnagar facility mills dolomite powder on a dedicated grinding line separate from bentonite to prevent cross-contamination.
Whiteness and mesh are the two parameters that determine dolomite powder grade and price. Whiteness is measured on a spectrophotometer against a barium sulphate standard (100% white). Our full white dolomite powder achieves whiteness above 92%, suitable for premium paint and putty applications. Off-white grades (whiteness 80β88%) are used in ceramic bodies, rubber compounding, and industrial applications where colour is less critical.
The dolomite powder grinding line at Thordi can produce 10β15 MT per day across all mesh grades. Production is scheduled based on order book β we do not stock large quantities of fine dolomite powder because extended storage can lead to moisture pickup and caking, especially during monsoon.
Technical Specifications
Factory-Direct Pricing
15β30% lower than marketplace rates. No middlemen.
Dolomite Powder in Paint and Wall Putty
In paint manufacturing, dolomite powder serves as an extender pigment β it provides bulk, improves film durability, and contributes to the paint's hiding power (opacity) at a fraction of the cost of titanium dioxide (TiOβ), the primary white pigment. A typical emulsion paint formulation contains 15β25% dolomite powder by weight. The whiteness of the dolomite directly affects how much expensive TiOβ is needed β higher whiteness dolomite means less TiOβ required to achieve the target shade.
In wall putty, dolomite powder is the primary filler β typically 60β70% of the formulation by weight β providing the bulk, smoothness, and white base that makes putty spreadable and paintable. Whiteness above 90% is the standard requirement for premium putty brands; off-white dolomite creates a greyish putty that requires more paint coats to cover.
Ceramic Tile Body Application
In ceramic tile manufacturing (Morbi, Gujarat β India's largest tile cluster), dolomite powder is added to the tile body formulation as a flux. During firing at 1100β1200Β°C, the dolomite decomposes (CaMg(COβ)β β CaO + MgO + 2COβ), and the CaO and MgO react with silica and alumina in the clay to form a glassy phase that bonds the tile body. This fluxing action reduces the firing temperature by 30β50Β°C compared to non-dolomite bodies β a significant energy saving for tile plants running continuous kilns.
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View full categoryFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dolomite powder and calcite powder?
Dolomite contains both calcium and magnesium carbonates (CaMg(COβ)β); calcite is primarily calcium carbonate (CaCOβ). Dolomite is slightly harder (Mohs 3.5β4 vs 3 for calcite), provides magnesium in addition to calcium, and typically has slightly lower whiteness than the highest-grade calcite. For paint and putty, dolomite's hardness contributes to better scrub resistance. For agriculture, dolomite is preferred when both calcium and magnesium supplementation is needed.
Can I get a sample for whiteness testing before bulk order?
Yes. We send 500gβ1kg samples of current production stock. Whiteness testing should be done on a calibrated spectrophotometer against a barium sulphate standard. We also provide our own spectrophotometer reading for the sample lot so you can cross-check against your measurement.
Do you supply dolomite powder to the Morbi ceramic cluster?
Yes. Morbi (approximately 250 km from Bhavnagar) is a regular supply destination. We dispatch truckloads (15β25 MT) to Morbi tile manufacturers with 1β2 day transit. Several Morbi-based ceramic units have been regular buyers since 2022.