Rock Physics of Shale - Stanford University

Organic-Rich Shale
Organic-rich shales are composed of mixtures of
inorganic and organic materials. The inorganic
fraction can include clay, silt, carbonate, pyrite,
etc. The organic fraction (kerogen) appears as
nano-size particles, called macerals, and
hydrocarbons.
In some cases organics appear as inclusions in
the inorganic background, and other times, the
inverse.
Vanorio et al., June 2008, The Leading Edge.
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope image of
an organic-rich shale. Monterey Formation.
Gary Mavko – Stanford Rock Physics Laboratory
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