Wurtzilite, from Uintah Basin, Utah

Wurtzilite is a hydrocarbon mineral formed by the metamorphosis of petroleum.It is similar to asphalt, but has more elasticity.In fact one study has shown that due to a natural form of vulcanization, sulfur has formed molecular linkages similar to those in rubber, with isoprene being one compound in wurtzilite. Isoprene is also the major component of rubber.

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