Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.8, No.1, pp. 85-100, 1985

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

A NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR THE ORGANIC COMPONENTS OF KEROGEN

M. S. Massoud* and R. R. F. Kinghorn*

*Dept. of Geology, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP.

Abstract

A new classification is proposed for the components of kerogen, in which phytoclasts are separated into four groups: keroginite, liptinite, vitrinite and inertinite. The "keroginite group" includes the finely comminuted or structureless sapropelic material which constitutes the main organic components of hydrogen -rich oil-prone kerogens (types I and II). The "liptinite group" encompasses all structured sapropelic phytoclasts which are derived from the remains of waxy and fatty plant tissues, such as algae, spores, pollen and cuticles. When found in marine sediments, they are usually hydrogen depleted and gas prone (type III kerogen) due to their degradation during transportation from land. The "vitrinite group" incorporates structured and apparently unstructured woody tissues which correspond to first and second cycle vitrinites and form the main constituents of the gas-prone type III kerogen. The "inertinite group" comprises the charcoal- or graphite-like phytoclasts which have undergone natural carbonization prior to incorporation into sediments, and have no convertibility to hydrocarbons.