Dead-burned dolomite is produced when dolomite is calcined at very high temperatures. It is used both as a refractory product in granular form to repair linings and for making the bricks used in the refractory linings of casting ladles and cement kilns.
This refractory works well for ladles because it creates MgO in solution in the slag, which provides a buffering because MgO particles in suspension provide coating protection. Any excess MgO precipitates, protecting refractories and tap holes, reducing the need for gunning and repairs.
Chemical name: calcium magnesium oxide
Chemical formula: MgO.CaO