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Gilsonite or Asphaltum ,
Natural asphalt is similar to a 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 earth's surface in vertical veins or seams that are generally
between two and six feet in width. The veins are nearly parallel to each
other and are oriented in a northwest to southeast direction. The vein
will show up on the surface as a thin outcropping and gradually widen as
it goes deeper. Due to the narrow mining face, Gilsonite is mined today, much like it was 50 or
100 years ago. The primary difference is that modern miners use
pneumatic chipping hammers and mechanical hoists .
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