GILSONITE is a pure hydrocarbon, with a melting point between 160°C and 220°C. The mineral is natural bitumen and geologically petroleum based solid and therefore extremely compatible with petroleum bitumen. When blended, a very intimate molecule of GILSONITE and bitumen is formed, one that takes on some hardness and durability of GILSONITE while still retaining the flexibility of the bitumen. Gilsonite is mined in underground shafts and resembles shiny, black substance similar in appearance as the mineral Obsidian It is brittle and usually micronized into dark brown powder. It is mainly composed of asphaltenes; thus, Gilsonite Is classified as a Natural Asphalt and also known as Gilsonite or Uintaite. Discovered in the 1860s, it was first marketed as a lacquer, electrical insulator, and waterproofing compound. This unique mineral is used in more than 160 products, primarily in dark-colored printing inks and paints, oil well drilling muds and cements, asphalt modifiers, foundry sand additives, and a wide variety of chemical products.