Evidence of early generation of liquid hydrocarbon from suberinite as visible under the microscope

The early generation of liquid hydrocarbons from suberinite can be clearly observed under the microscope. The generation of this oil-like material, mainly in the form of exsudatinite, from the maceral suberinite occurs at a maturity level of about 0.4% vitrinite reflectance. Hydrocarbons appear to be naturally expelled from coal initially through sweating and agglomeration of suberinite which subsequently forms exsudatinite. It is suggested that extensive expulsion of exsudatinite causes cracks to develop in vitrinite whereas limited expulsion of exsudatinite will only impregnate the vitrinite matrix. If cracks are formed, it is possible they could progressively develop to form an exsudatinite-crack network. The formation of such a network is believed to represent an effective way of hydrocarbon expulsion from coal source rocks.