Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbon impurities, particularly oil, from water comprising the steps of applying pulverized hydrocarbon gilsonite or a slurry thereof to a body of water containing the impurities, mixing the gilsonite and hydrocarbon to form a mixture, allowing the mixture to separate from the water and coagulate and removing the solution, followed by recovering the oil using existing cracking techniques. The invention also comprises additional steps of purifying the hydrocarbon gilsonite and aerating the same before application to the water to improve the oil absorption and buoyancy qualities of the gilsonite.