Hatchettite

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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.

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.

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