Pyrobitumen

pyrobitumen

gold

galena

quartz

Images

Not a mineral species. Pyrobitumen is a widespread hydrocarbon mineraloid of variable composition, usually in sedimentary or low grade metamorphic rocks. It is formed by polymerization of petroleum over geological time periods, therefore being related to petroleum the same way that amber is related to tree resin, and it is frequent as inclusions in quartz crystals (Mindat).
It is associated with elevated gold values and with galena in the Witwatersrand Goldfield, South Africa (R&M 96.4.328, 337-339).

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