About American Gilsonite
AGC has a long history of supplying its Gilsonite for the world market. The material now called Gilsonite was discovered in the Utah Territory's Uintah Basin in the 1860s. Modern geologists believe that the origin of Gilsonite is linked to the rich oil shale of the Green River Formation that underlies much of the basin. Deep vertical fissures in the earth's surface were once filled with a heavy, viscous hydrocarbon that lost its volatile constituents and solidified millions of years ago.
Gilsonite is a glossy, black, solid hydrocarbon resin similar in appearance to coal or hard asphalt. It is brittle and lightweight and can be easily crushed into powder. Its unique chemical properties identify it as belonging to its own sub-group of the asphaltite family. Gilsonite occurs naturally in a very pure state, and softens in a range of temperatures according to grade, from 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (150-205 degrees Celsius). It has low specific gravity, high nitrogen content and very lower sulfur content. It is non-carcinogenic and safe to handle in its natural state.
Development and production of this unique material began in 1885 when Samuel H. Gilson characterized the ore and named it Gilsonite. In 1888, Gilson and a partner formed the Gilsonite Manufacturing Company, AGC's first commercial ancestor. Gilsonite-brand Uintaite's earliest applications included paints for buggies and emulsions for beer-vat lining. The name "Gilsonite" has been registered as a federal trademark since 1921 and is American Gilsonite Company's exclusive property.
Today, AGC operates in four major worldwide market sectors: Oil Field, Inks and Paints, Asphalt, and Foundry. AGC is organized to provide high quality service and support to industrial customers around the world.