Petrological recognition of secondary altered organic matter in the Zechstein Kupferschiefer from Poland

摘要

Organic matter dispersed in the Zechstein Kupferschiefer was studied petrographical-ly. Whole profiles of Kupferschiefer were investigated, but studies were focused on the oxidized facies (Rote Faule) and its transition to black shales. Microscopic studies revealed significant differences in composition of organics in particular geochemical facies. The predominating role of liptinite was noticed in reduced facies, with special superiority of bituminite and alginite, which are diagnostic macerals for black shales. Percentage of bituminite locally exceeds 90%. However the rest of macerals of liptinite group (i.e. sporinite and liptodetrinite), as well as amorphous sapropelic mass (ASM), occur there in significantly lower amounts. The humic organic components (vitrinite and inertinite) are common constituents but they occur in small amounts in all facies of the Kupferschiefer.