The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1906-07-28
GREAT DEPOSITS
Of HYDROCARBONS
Former Indian Reservations
Are Scenes of Activity Not
Fully Realized.
NO SUCH RESOURCES
ARE HAD ELSEWHERE
Railroad Will Bring GilsOnite
Deposits Within Easy Reach
Of Commerce.

An Industry Of the State OF Utah about
which comparatively nothing is known,
and which, although in its Infancy, has
assumed large proportions, Is the extrnc-
ton and handling of the enormous de-
posits OF the hydrocarbons in what
formerly was the Uncompahgre Indian
reservation. These deposits take In q
large variety OF forms, the most impor-
tant OF which may be mentioned the uin-
tatte or giIsonlte, elaterite and taobyite.
AT first glance the non-expert can not
distinguish between gilsonite and elater-
lite. both being a black, tarry-looking
substance OF the most brilliant luster,
normally of an absolutely homogeneous
texture. the former especially being very
brittle, Chemically tho two substances
are about the same, the heat test being
the most pronounced way Of distinguish
Ing between them. Gilsonite melts at
120 degrees Fahrenheit, while elaterite
melts at 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Only Deposits in Country.
IN no other portion OF the country are
the deposits of these hydrocarbons
found. and their enormous extent both as
to width and length, and their continu-
ity, with what depth has been gained upon
the veins. has convinced experts both
private md Governmental that this In
dustry will become one OF Utah's most
prominent when all the needed facilities
are secured. These facilities Include TIM
Der, water and railroad,
The crude elaterite is shipped TO North
Chicago. where it is treated and made
into what Is known as kapak This in
turn Is converted into numerous products
from which paints. yarnlshes. insulation
for wires and similar substances are
made. An Interesting Item In the elater-
ite Industry Is the fact that no com
n, q rCl n MI haa hac
been discovered for this substance.
Gilsonite has twenty different uses In |
the arts and sciences. serving as insula- |
tion for wires, acld-proof lining for tanks, |
for roofing, for paints, lubricants for |
heavy machinery. for coating timbers and |
stone work. as a substitute for rubber |
and binder pitch for culm in making |
coal Tabbyite takes It's name from the |
locality In which IL is found, and while
it has several OF the properties of elater-
lite and gilsontc, IL Is another form
From 1t is made for commercial uses q
paint or enamel which is absolutely I'M
pervious 10 wear or acids. and in addi-
tion gives luster not usual with ay-
erage paints.
Large Asphaltum Beds.
Another valuable deposit or system Of
deposits of the former Indian reserva-
tion is the asphaltum beds, no larger
uSPosIto VI WHICH eAlSt Ia THIS country. |
AS is we'll known. the trust built rail-
road from Mack. Colo, TO Dragon, Utah.
and by this road transports It's product
OF the hydrocarbons East for treatment
There are two surveys made by the Mof-
lat road, either OF which Will tap these
deposits of gilsonite, elaterite and as
phaltum.
In mining gilsonite the pick alone can
De used on account OF the explosive
OF the dust yet in spite of the
limited means OF working the veins. and
The difficulty experienced in placing the
product upon the Eastern markets, there
has been considerable work already done
n developing and sending out these re-
sources.