albertite

Albertite is a type of asphaltum, a naturally occurring solid bituminous material. It is a hard, black, brittle, and shiny substance, often described as having a conchoidal fracture. Albertite is a member of the grahamite group of pyrobitumens, which are insoluble in petroleum solvents and require thermal decomposition to yield oil. It is typically found in veins and seams within sedimentary rocks, most notably in Devonian rocks.

The name "albertite" is derived from Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada, where the largest and most commercially significant deposits were historically mined. These deposits, particularly those in Hillsborough, were exploited for their oil content, which could be retorted to produce kerosene and other petroleum products. Albertite was a significant source of oil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the widespread availability of conventional crude oil.

While the Canadian Albertite Company mined substantial quantities, operations ceased due to economic factors and the depletion of easily accessible reserves. Minor occurrences of albertite have also been reported in other parts of the world, including the United States and Venezuela, though these are generally not of commercial importance. Geologically, albertite is thought to have formed from the alteration of petroleum within subsurface reservoirs. Its high fixed carbon content and low volatile matter make it distinct from softer asphalts.