Carbonate minerals are a diverse group of minerals that contain the carbonate ion (CO3)2-. They are an important component of sedimentary rocks such as limestone and dolomite, as well as being found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Carbonate minerals are also found in a variety of geologic environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial settings. Common carbonate minerals include calcite, aragonite, dolomite, and siderite. These minerals often form in response to chemical reactions involving carbon dioxide and water, with calcite being the most common carbonate mineral found in nature. The study of carbonate minerals is important in geology, as they can provide valuable information about past environmental conditions and geological processes. Researchers study the formation, composition, and properties of carbonate minerals to better understand the Earth's history and the impact of human activities on the environment. Carbonate minerals are also important economically, as they are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as cement production, agriculture, and the manufacturing of glass and ceramics.