Minerals

Minerals are an inherent part of coal and, by extension, Dispersed Organic Matter (DOM). These minerals can be transported into the basin by water or wind (known as detrital minerals) or formed within the basin itself (known as authigenic minerals).

The way minerals occur in relation to organic matter provides valuable insights into their interactions. Minerals can be dispersed within the organic matter matrix, found as nodules (e.g., siderite) or framboids (e.g., pyrite), or occur by infilling the cell lumina of certain macerals or fractures. The modes of occurrence of minerals are often linked to mineral paragenesis, which refers to the sequence and conditions under which minerals form.

The degree of intimacy between organic matter and minerals frequently determines the beneficiation process and the potential uses of coal. Additionally, the type and grain size of minerals in source rocks influence properties like permeability and porosity, which significantly impact the extraction of oil and gas. Minerals can also aid in maturation studies, such as evaluating the degree of crystallinity in certain clays.