Hatchettite

Hatchettite, sometimes termed Mountain Tallow, Mineral Adipocire, or Adipocerite, is a mineral hydrocarbon occurring in the Coal-measures of Belgium and elsewhere, occupying in some cases the interior of hollow concretions of iron-ore, but more generally the cavities of fossil shells or crevices in the rocks.

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It is of yellow colour, and translucent, but darkens and becomes opaque on exposure. It has no odour, is greasy to the touch, and has a slightly glistening lustre. Its hardness is that of soft wax. The melting point is 46 to 47 °C, and the composition is C 85-55, H 1445.

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.