Tire tread rubber containing uintahite

This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that uintahite can be incorporated into tire component rubber to improve the physical properties thereof. For example, by incorporating uintahite into tire tread rubber compositions, tires with improved tear and puncture resistance can be manufactured. Since uintahite is a relatively low cost material, its incorporation into tires also reduces cost. For instance, uintahite can be incorporated into a wide variety of tire rubber compounds used in the tread (including the base and the cap), sidewall, apex, chafer, bead coat, toeguard, innerliner, ply coat, gum strips, coverstrip, overlay and wedge stocks. This invention more specifically discloses a pneumatic tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass, an outer circumferential tread which is adapted to be ground contacting, two spaced beads and two sidewalls extending radially from said spaced beads and connecting said tread to said spaced beads, wherein said tread is comprised of at least one rubbery polymer and from about 1 phr to about 20 phr of uintahite.