Hatchettite (also mountain tallow, mineral tallow, mineral adipocire, or adipocerite) is a mineral hydrocarbon. It is a mineral paraffin wax C38H78 melting at 55° to 65° C in the natural state and at 79° C when pure, found in bogs and coal beds.
- Chemical Formula: C38H78
- Familly: Organic
- Status: NR
- Crystal System: Amorphous
Fig: Hatchettite
Hatchettite occurs 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 color, and translucent, but darkens and becomes opaque on exposure. It is a yellow waxy mineral hydrocarbon found in coal-measures. It has no odour, is greasy to the touch, and has a slightly glistening luster. Its hardness is that of soft wax. The melting point is 46 to 47 °C, and the composition is C 85.55 %, H 14.45 %.
Information Source:
