Due to its unusual nature and rare occurrence, the big asphalt sample attracted a crowd once we had it aboard the NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown. Its botryoidally shaped (like a bunch of grapes), hardened outer crust is very friable (easily crumbled), and when pulled apart the rock's interior looks like chewing gum. Image courtesy of Matt Frye, Minerals Management Service.
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Expedition to the Deep Slope 2007
