Abstract

Ozokerite is a native mineral wax of varying color and uncertain chemical composition. Simple tests are given to differentiate the wax from the other solid hydrocarbons of the Uinta Basin. The ozokerite mines at Soldier Summit yield little information about the veins due to caved-in drifts and flooded shafts; however, 35 miles of outcropping bituminous shales which are the probable source beds of ozokerite were studied. Evidence is presented to show that ozokerite was probably generated in the basal offshore lacustrine beds of the Green River formation and that it migrated laterally into the more competent shales and sandstones of the Wasatch formation. Blending operations at the mill which existed at the Soldier Summit Mine in the late 1940’s are described, and the reasons for blending ozokerite with other compounds are inferred from published information. The uses and industrial demand for ozokerite and its products are briefly discussed.

Doubtful reserves and a discouraging history of litigation suggest that the deposits at Soldier Summit will not contribute materially to supplying the industrial demand for ozokerite.