The History of Gilsonite: From Discovery to Industry

Gilsonite has a surprisingly long history. Natural asphalts have been used for thousands of years — ancient builders used them to waterproof boats and bind bricks — but the material we now call gilsonite became an industrial product only in the late nineteenth century.

The name

The name comes from Samuel H. Gilson, an American who promoted the black, glassy mineral in the 1880s as a waterproof coating for wooden posts and as an insulating material for electrical cables. Scientists named the mineral uintaite after the region where it was first described, but “gilsonite” became the common name in industry.

Early uses

The first commercial uses took advantage of gilsonite’s water resistance and electrical insulation. It was used in varnishes, black japan finishes for bicycles and cars, roofing compounds and as a binder in early printing inks. Because it dissolved in oils and solvents and gave a deep black colour with high gloss, it quickly became a favourite of paint and ink makers.

The oil and gas era

In the twentieth century the oil industry discovered that fine gilsonite powder could seal porous formations and stabilize shale in drilling mud. Later it was added to cement slurries to lower density and prevent gas migration. Today drilling and cementing are among the largest uses of gilsonite worldwide. Learn more about this market in gilsonite in drilling fluids explained.

Road building

Paving engineers found that small amounts of gilsonite make asphalt binders stiffer and more resistant to rutting in hot climates. This use has grown steadily as traffic loads increase.

Gilsonite today

Deposits of natural asphalt are now mined in several regions, including the Middle East. Modern producers crush, screen and mill the material into precise grades, from lump to micronized powder, and test every lot for softening point, ash, moisture and particle size.

What began as a curious black mineral is now a versatile industrial raw material used on every continent.