Magnesite and dolomite are salt-type minerals that show similar flotation behavior due to the same crystal structure, similar chemical composition, and sparingly soluble nature. It is difficult to achieve effective separation of magnesite from dolomite in a single stage of flotation. The present study was undertaken to investigate effects of dissolution rate, species distribution, solubility, surface conversion phenomenon, and surface electrical properties on flotability of magnesite and dolomite. Dissolution rate was measured by solution pH change as a function of stirring time. Species distribution diagrams were determined based on equilibrium constants for various chemical species. Solubility of mineral was calculated using species distribution diagram. Surface conversion was characterized using Gibbs equation and species distribution constants as a function of solution pH. Electrical properties were investigated using zeta potential measurement. The flotation behavior of magnesite and dolomite was studied using solution chemistry of magnesite and dolomite, dodecyl phosphate species distribution diagram. Both simulation results and experimental data show that the separation of magnesite from dolomite by flotation can be enhanced by controlling the solution chemistry. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.