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Gilsonite is a natural, resinous hydrocanbon.This natural asphalt is similar to hard petroleum asphalt and is often called a natural asphalt, asphaltite, uintaite, or asphaltum.
Gilsonite is soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents, as well as petroleum asphalt. Due to its unique compatibility , Gilsonite is frequently used to harden softer petroleum
products. Gilsonite in mass is a shiny, black substance similar in appearance to the mineral obsidian.It is brittle and can be easily crushed into a dark brown powder.
Gilsonite is found below the earths surface in vertical veins or seams that are generally between two and six feet in width, but can be as wide as 28 feet. The veins are nearly
parallel to each other and are oriented in northwest to southeast direction. They extend many miles in length and as deep as 1500 feet. The vein will show up on the surface as a
thin outcropping and gradually widen as it goes deeper. Due the narrow mining face, Gilsonite is mined today, much like it was 50 or 100 years age. The primary difference is that
modern miners use pneumatic chipping hammers and mechanical hoists.
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