OZOCERITE

A type of bitumin (semisolid to solid hydrocarbon substance) which is composed mostly of alkanes (or paraffins) with tall molecular weights. The stuff is a waxy solid found in irregular veinlike deposits within stressed rocks and have colours ranging from greenish to brown to jet black. It is formed from oils, or liquid petroleum, of the same composition which have been exposed to the surface, have been exposed to oxidation and biodegradation, and/or whose liquid components have evaporated.