Asphaltite

/ˈæsfɔːltaɪt/ noun

Definition

A naturally occurring solid hydrocarbon that is harder and more brittle than asphalt, found in certain mineral deposits.

Etymology

From 'asphalt' + mineral suffix '-ite' (used for mineral and rock names). The '-ite' suffix indicates this is a mineral form or variant of asphalt-like material.

Kelly Says

Asphaltite is rare and usually found alongside other fossil fuel deposits—it's essentially asphalt that's been buried so deep and subjected to such pressure that it crystallized into a harder form, like coal but made of bitumen.

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