Palynologic preparations often contain solid hydrocarbons that are difficult to distinguish from resin cells, simple fungal spores, and some organic debris. A chemical-physical reaction by bitumens on prepared glass slides is accomplished by using two dissimilar mounting media. The resulting extrusions by "petrolic filament bodies" permit easy identification of "asphaltenes." Some asphaltenes appear to be secondary pore fillings, some suggest algal origin, and others apparently illustrate initial expulsion of generated hydrocarbons from amorphous kerogen.

The presence of solid hydrocarbons in palynology samples may have utility in petroleum exploration by identifying "minishows," suggesting possible hydrocarbon migration, identifying thrust faults, and in providing a warning of possible drilling-mud contamination.

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