ABSTRACT
The Polish Kupferschiefer is represented by black shales significantly enriched in organic matter. The commonest organic components of these rocks are liptinite macerals, in which amorphous organic matter prevails, bituminite occurs as a vitrinite-like variety, together with the liptinite macerais (alginite, liptodetrinite and sporinite). Solid bitumen is noteworthy in oxidized facies (Rote Fäule). Vitrinite and inertinite maceral groups are generally common but minor constituents. A zonation of organic components is visible in the Kupferschiefer. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) indicates variable, but low organic matter maturity (Ro = 0.72 – 1.13%), equivalent to the oil window.
