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Gilsonite:
Natural Bitumen & Mineral Resin
Gilsonite is a naturally occurring, solid hydrocarbon resin found in underground mines. Distinguished by its high purity, exceptional softening point, and unique nitrogen content, it serves as a critical performance additive in over 160 distinct industries, including road construction, drilling fluids, and ink manufacturing.
Why is it unique?
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High Purity
Contains significantly fewer oily contaminants compared to petroleum-based bitumen.
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Thermal Stability
Enhances asphalt resistance to deformation at high temperatures.
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Adhesion
High nitrogen content facilitates superior bonding to aggregates and surfaces.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Understanding the chemical structure is key to analyzing its industrial utility. This section visualizes elemental composition and commercial classification based on ash content.
Elemental Analysis
The significantly higher nitrogen content distinguishes Gilsonite from refinery bitumen, improving wetting properties.
Commercial Grading (By Ash Content)
Gilsonite is commercially categorized by its “Ash Content” percentage. Select a grade below to view its specific industrial application.
Select a Grade
Click buttons above to see technical specs and use cases.
Strategic Industrial Applications
Technical breakdown of primary sectors utilizing Natural Bitumen.
Origins & Global Market
Gilsonite is geologically rare. The United States (Utah) and Iran (Kermanshah/Ilam region) possess the primary global reserves. Differences largely lie in extraction methods and processing technologies.
Estimated Market Share (Reserves)
🇺🇸 American Gilsonite
Historically marketed as “American Gilsonite Company”. Known for high standardization and higher price points. Typically mechanized extraction.
🇮🇷 Iranian Gilsonite (Natural Bitumen)
Massive reserves in Western Iran. High variety of grades (Ash 5% to 25%). highly competitive pricing for Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Asphalt Mix Simulator
Estimate effects of Gilsonite concentration
