Gilsonite, discovered in the 1860s and promoted in the 1880s by Samuel H. Gilson, was first used for waterproofing and insulation. In 1888, the first commercial mining company was established.

Initially sold as “Selects” and “Fines,” advancements in technology have improved its quality. Today, it is graded by softening point and particle size, offering superior performance.

What is Gilsonite?

Gilsonite (known as Uintahite, Asphaltum, or Asphalite), a natural, non-toxic resinous hydrocarbon, is primarily found in the Uintah Basin of Utah and along the Iran-Iraq border. This unique material, composed mainly of nitrogen, beta-carotenes, and minor hydrocarbons, is known for its high performance and versatility.

This substance resembles petroleum asphalt and appears as a shiny, black, brittle material that can be easily crushed into a dark brown Gilsonite powder. It is soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents and is used to harden softer petroleum products.

Mined from vertical veins, these veins can be up to 28 feet wide and extend as deep as 1,500 feet. The extraction process is still done by hand using pneumatic chipping hammers and mechanical hoists, similar to methods used decades ago.

It is exported to over 80 countries, offering a cost-effective, high-performance additive used to improve various products.

Formula and HS code

Formula:

The chemical formula is C36H28O4 (CAS 12002-43-6), consisting of 36 carbon, 28 hydrogen, and 4 oxygen atoms. Its structure is based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), contributing to its high melting point and solubility in organic solvents. This composition makes this substance ideal for enhancing petroleum-based products, including asphalt, paints, coatings, and adhesives.

Based on the formula of this substance this question may be raised, “Is Gilsonite radioactive?”.

Gilsonite is not radioactive. It is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic materials. It is made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and trace amounts of other elements, but it does not contain any radioactive elements or isotopes and therefore does not exhibit any significant radioactivity.

HS Code:

Gilsonite HS code, categorized as natural asphalt, is 27149000. The Harmonized System (HS) is a globally accepted classification system for traded products, assigning standardized names and numbers to facilitate tariff and trade processes.

Specifications and properties

Gilsonite (Natural Bitumen) Specifications:

Property	Low Ash (<5%)	Medium Ash (~15%)	High Ash (>20%)
Ash Content	Less than 5%	Approximately 15%	Greater than 20%
Appearance	Deep black and lustrous	Standard black	Dull black or grayish tones
Softening Range	High (170–200°C)	Moderate (140–160°C)	Lower (120–140°C)
Moisture Level	Minimal (0.5–1.5%)	Moderate (1.5–3%)	Higher (3–5%)
Density (@ 77°F)	1.05–1.10	1.00–1.05	0.95–1.00
Hardness (Moh’s Scale)	Harder (2.5–3)	Moderate (2–2.5)	Softer (<2)
Penetration Resistance	High	Moderate	Low
Flash Point (C.O.C.)	High (Above 350°C)	Moderate (300–350°C)	Lower (Below 300°C)
Mineral Composition	Contains carbonates, silica, and trace sulfur (pyrite)	Includes carbonates, clay, and sulfur	Higher impurities such as pyrite
Solubility in T.C.E. (%)	Near complete (~100%)	85–90%	Below 80%
Solubility in CS2 (%)	Nearly complete (~100%)	Around 90%	Less than 85%
Volatility	Low	Moderate	High

This substance is a natural hydrocarbon resin that possesses a unique set of properties. These physical and chemical properties distinguish it from synthetic resins and bitumen. These properties are detailed in the charts below.

Physical Properties:

Property	Description
Physical State	Solid at room temperature with a shiny black appearance.
Solubility	Soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents; insoluble in water and alcohols.
Softening Point	Ranges from 130°C to 210°C, higher than many other bituminous substances.
Penetration Index	Low, rigid, with low ductility, and resistant to deformation.
Thermal Stability	Maintains stability under high heat conditions.
Natural Lustrous Finish	Provides a glossy finish in paints and varnishes.
Density	Denser than most bitumen, with a specific gravity between 1.05 to 1.10.

Chemical Properties:

Property	Description
High Carbon Content	Around 80-87%, making it ideal for high-carbon applications.
Chemical Stability	Resistant to chemical reactions when mixed with other compounds.
Low Volatility	Minimal evaporative losses, which is beneficial in inks and paints.
Flammability	Less prone to ignition compared to other hydrocarbons.
Adhesive Property	Excellent binder for sealants and adhesives.
Hydrophobic Nature	Water-repellent, making it useful for waterproofing applications.
Low Permeability	Acts as a barrier to gases and vapors, beneficial for sealing.
Elasticity	Flexible, especially when blended with other substances.

Gilsonite types and grades

Types

Gilsonite is available in three primary forms, each designed for specific applications. Each type of this substance offers distinct benefits, depending on the required application.

1. Lump

The raw, natural-Gilsonite, is used directly without further processing.

2. Granulated

Refined and broken into smaller granules, making it easier to handle and blend with other materials.

3. Micronized

Finely powdered for a smooth, consistent texture, ideal for applications like coatings, paints, and drilling fluids.

Grades

Gilsonite for sale comes in 5 different grades. Each grade has its own special ash content, moisture, mesh size, and key features. In the chart below all 5 grades are detailed.

Grade	Ash Content	Moisture	Mesh Sizes	Key Features
Grade 1	Up to 5%	Up to 1%	30, 40, 100 to 300	High purity, ideal for premium applications.
Grade 2	Up to 10%	Up to 1%	30, 40, 100 to 300	Standard quality, versatile.
Grade 3	Up to 15%	Up to 1%	30, 40, 100 to 300	Economical grade for general use.
Grade 4	Up to 20%	Up to 1%	30, 40, 100 to 300	Lower purity is used for non-critical applications.
Grade 5	Up to 25%	Up to 1%	30, 40, 100 to 300	Budget-friendly, for industrial uses.

Gilsonite uses and advantages

Gilsonite is a versatile natural hydrocarbon used in asphalt production, road construction, paints, coatings, and drilling fluids.

It boosts bitumen durability, improves asphalt quality, and acts as an additive in adhesives, inks, sealants, and Gilsonite sealer.

This substance has various advantages worth knowing by industry owners.

1. Eco-Friendly: Non-toxic, reduces carbon footprint.
2. Cost-Effective: More affordable than synthetic options.
3. Durable: Extends the lifespan of asphalt and coatings.
4. Thermal Stability: Resists high temperatures.
5. Adhesive Qualities: Strong bonding for sealants.
6. Water Resistance: Effective waterproofing.
7. Versatile: Customizable for various uses.
8. Improved Rheology: Enhances flow in liquids.
9. High Carbon: Ideal for metal casting.
10. Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents.
11. Chemical Resistance: Resists acids and alkalis.
12. Non-Reactive: Safe in mixtures.
13. Easy Application: Available in different forms.
14. Low Maintenance: Long-lasting.
15. Sound Insulation: Noise reduction in construction.

Application

Road Construction

• Asphalt Modification: Enhances resistance to rutting and cracking in hot-mix asphalt.
• Paving: Improves durability and longevity as a binder and modifier.

Oil & Gas

• Drilling Mud Additive: Improves rheological properties and reduces fluid loss in oil-based drilling muds.
• Cementing: Reduces slurry weight and enhances properties in cement compositions.

Paints & Inks

• Coloring Agent: Provides a black hue to inks and paints.
• Binding Property: Enhances durability and finish by binding pigments.

Foundry

• Sand Binder: Maintains shape during casting.
• Carbon Raiser: Increases carbon content in foundry products.

Sealants & Waterproofing

• Waterproofing Agent: Prevents water infiltration on roofs, walls, and floors.
• Joint Sealer: Seals construction joints to block moisture.

Mastics & Adhesives

• Binding Agent: Ensures strong bonding in adhesives.
• Modifier: Enhances adhesive properties as an additive.

Electrical

• Insulating Compound: Serves as a non-conductive insulating material.

Agriculture

• Wetting Agent: Used in wettable powders and agrochemical applications.

Construction

• Soundproofing: Aids in soundproofing walls and floors.
• Damp Proofing: Acts as a damp-proof material in construction.

Chemical Industry

• Modifier: Enhances properties or yields in chemical production.

Rubber & Plastic

• Reinforcing Agent: Improves tensile strength in rubber and plastic products.
• Extender: Serves as a filler in rubber and plastic formulations.

Where to purchase Gilsonite?

Kiapetro is a leading supplier of high-quality Gilsonite, specializing in the manufacturing, procurement, distribution, and export of this versatile natural hydrocarbon. With a commitment to excellence, we provide this substance in various grades.

Our competitive Gilsonite price ensures cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. We prioritize timely and reliable delivery to ensure your orders are met promptly.

To accommodate our clients, we offer flexible payment options with multiple stages. All our Gilsonite products adhere to international standards, ensuring consistent performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial applications.

FAQ

1. Can Gilsonite be used in combination with other materials?

Yes, it is blended with bitumen and polymers for enhanced durability.

2. What is the difference between Gilsonite and other types of asphalt?

It’s a heat-resistant natural asphalt that enhances adhesion and durability in coatings.

3. Can Gilsonite be used in rubber compounds?

Yes, it enhances rubber durability, especially in tires and seals.