Vitrinite reflectance

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENE-002434",
  "term": "Vitrinite reflectance",
  "field": "Energy",
  "definition": "A measure of the percentage of light reflected from the surface of vitrinite grains from a sample of sedimentary rock under a microscope. This analytical method was developed to rank the thermal maturity of coals and is now used in other rocks to determine if they could have generated hydrocarbons and therefore could be effective source rocks. Vitrinite reflectance is measured in units of reflectance (percent Ro), and typical values range from 0% Ro to 3% Ro. Values for natural gas-generating source rocks typically exceed 1.3% Ro.",
  "subject": "Natural gas",
  "references": [
    "EIA Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/energy/vitrinite-reflectance/"
}