Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.9,
No.2, pp. 217-226, 1986
©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press,
Ltd.
NEW EVIDENCE FOR A
PETROLEUM SOURCE ROCK IN A MIOCENE EVAPORITE SEQUENCE, GULF OF
SUEZ, EGYPT
M. M. Kholief and M. A. Barakat*
*Exploration Dept., Egyptian
Petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract
Anhydrite, gypsum and halite evaporites of
Middle Miocene age occurring in the Gulf of Suez area constitute
more than 50% of the total rock components. They are intercalated
mainly with shales and also subordinate carbonate and sandstone
layers. Examination of several evaporite samples under both
binocular and petrographic microscopes reveals the presence of
inclusions of various types hosted by gypsum crystals. Solid
inclusions are composed mainly of minute calcareous particles,
fine pyrite crystals and residual organic matter, while liquid
inclusions, which are more frequent, exist in a uniphase or
biphase state. A light hydrocarbon in the form of oil or gas
constitutes one of these phases, while the other is a brine. Most
of these inclusions are of primary origin and have been developed
during the growth of the hosted minerals.