kerogen

American  

[ker-uh-juhn, -jen] / ˈkɛr ə dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /

noun

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

---

kerogen British  

/ ˈkɛrədʒən /

noun

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

---

kerogen Scientific  

/ kĕr′ə-jən /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of kerogen

1905–10; < Greek kēró ( 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.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

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

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

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

From Science Magazine • Jun. 25, 2020

Earth's kerogen was formed when geologic forces compressed the ancient remains of algae and similar critters.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 7, 2018

When heated to 900� F, the marl bleeds its kerogen, which can then be used as a low-grade variety of crude.

From Time Magazine Archive