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kerogen
(redirected from kerogen shales)

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kerogen

 or kerogen shales or kerogenites

Complex mixture of compounds with large molecules containing mainly hydrogen and carbon but also oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Kerogen is a precursor of petroleum and the organic component of oil shales. It is waxy and insoluble in water; upon heating, it breaks down into recoverable gaseous and liquid substances resembling petroleum. It consists of compacted organic material, such as algae and other low plant forms, pollen, spores and spore coats, and insects.

kerogen [′ker·ə·jən]
(geology)
The complex, fossilized organic material present in sedimentary rocks, especially in shales; converted to petroleum products by distillation. Also known as kerabitumen; petrologen.
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