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gilsonite is found below the earth’s surface in vertical veins or seams that are generally between 2and 6feet in width, but can be as wide as 28 feet. The veins are nearly parallel to each other and are oriented in a northwest to southeast direction. They extend many miles in length and as deep as 1500 feet 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, it 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. The principal deposit of gilsonite is found in the Gilanegharb and Ghasreshirin , Kermanshah, Iran as filling in vertical fissures in the mountain calcareous shales, limestone and sandstones.The physical and chemical properties of Gilsonite :” strength, flexibility, bonding, high-temperature performance, environmental safety – make it an ideal additive for many critical applications.
