Gilsonite is a naturally occurring high volatile, solid hydrocarbon residue. Gilsonite is found in commercial deposits only in the Uintah Basin of northeastern Utah. This unique material is similar in appearance to coal, asphalt, or coal tar pitch. However, unlike asphalt and coal tar pitch Gilsonite is considered non-hazardous.
Gilsonite can be used as an additive in ink, paint, asphalt products, foundry sand additives, and drilling mud. It also is used as a replacement for, or in addition to, coal tar pitch as a binder in refractory materials. Gilsonite is specified based on ash content and melting point. Approximately 25 grades are available which bracket melting/softening temperatures between about 240 F to over 400 F. Ash contents vary from less than 0.5% to approximately 10%.