Elaterite


Elaterite, also known as aeonite, elasticite, elastic bitumen, or mineral caoutchouc, is a brown, often sticky, hydrocarbon. First discovered at Castleton, Derbyshire, in England, elaterite is not considered to be a mineral species. It has sometimes been confused with coorongite, found in Australia, but it has been determined that the origins of the two substances differ.

History and etymology

Elaterite was first discovered at Castleton in Derbyshire, England.
The origin of the name elaterite lies in the Greek word ελατηρ, meaning "pine", so named as it was assumed to have formed from the resin in pine trees. It is or has also been known as aeonite, elasticite, elastic bitumen, or mineral caoutchouc.

Description

The substance varies somewhat in consistency, being sometimes soft, elastic and sticky, like India rubber, and occasionally hard and brittle. It is usually dark brown in colour and slightly translucent.
It is not considered to be a mineral species.
Although coorongite is of a very similar composition to elaterite, it is not the same substance nor of the same origin.

Occurrence in nature