kerogen

[ker-uh-juhn, -jen]

noun

1. the bituminous matter in oil shale, from which shale oil is obtained by heating and distillation.

kerogen

/ ˈkɛrədʒən /

noun

1. the solid organic material found in some rocks, such as oil shales, that produces hydrocarbons similar to petroleum when heated

kerogen

1. A fossilized mixture of insoluble organic material that, when heated, breaks down into petroleum and natural gas. Kerogen consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur and forms from compacted organic material, including algae, pollen, spores and spore coats, and insects. It is usually found in sedimentary rocks, such as shale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kerogen¹

1905–10; < Greek kēró ( s ) wax + -gen

Word History and Origins

Origin of kerogen¹

C20: from Greek kēro ( s ) wax + _-gen

Example Sentences

At the heart of this prized potential energy is kerogen, the organic matter in rocks that, under the right thermal conditions, can transform into natural gas and oil.

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The study identified a mixed presence of kerogen types, predominantly Type III and IV, suggesting the organic matter is mainly of terrestrial origin.

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However, it can be more complicated to trace the biosignatures of samples like black shales from early Earth or a type of organic matter called kerogen because it can be more difficult to isolate various elements.

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In similar clays at Gale crater, the Curiosity rover—which remains operational—detected traces of complex organic compounds that resembled kerogen, the feedstock of oil.

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In similar clays at Gale crater, Curiosity scientists detected traces of complex organic compounds that resembled kerogen, the feedstock of oil.

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