Abstract: Recognition and Effects of Solvent Damage in Vitrinite Preparations

Richard W. Harding Jr.

Vitrinite particles from isolated kerogen preparations can be altered in the presence of organic solvents much as acetone, resulting in reductions in reflectance when compared with undigested material prepared in whole rock, although the occurrence of such alterations is neither common nor predictable. Recognition criteria for this alteration are given, and methods for minimizing errors arising from interpretations based upon such data are suggested. The techniques

are equally valid for verifying the reliability of data from any vitrinite-based maturity investigation, regardless of the sample preparation method used.