HATCHETTITE

hatchettite, sometimes termed _mountain tallow_, _mineral adipocire_, or _adipocerite_, 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 deg. to 47 deg.