What is natural asphalt?

Natural asphalt, also known as brea, is a black, sticky substance that occurs naturally. It is formed from the remains of ancient plants, and it can be found in various parts of the world, including the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East.

One of the most common uses of natural asphalt is for road paving. It is also used in roofing materials and as a waterproofing agent. In addition, it has been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial properties and as a treatment for respiratory problems.

Natural asphalt is often confused with petroleum-based asphalt, but they are different substances with different chemical properties. Natural asphalt has a higher melting point and is less susceptible to temperature-induced cracking than petroleum-based asphalt.

However, natural asphalt is also less commonly used in modern road construction due to its higher cost and limited availability compared to petroleum-based asphalt.