1. n. [Geochemistry, Geology]

The study of the chemistry of the Earth and within solid bodies of the solar system, including the distribution, circulation and abundance of elements (and their ions and isotopes), molecules, minerals, rocks and fluids. For geochemists in the petroleum industry, source rock geochemistry is a major focus. Geochemical techniques can determine whether a given source rock is rich enough in organic matter to generate hydrocarbons, whether the source rock has generated hydrocarbons, and whether a particular oil sample was generated by a given source rock.

See related terms: bitumen,  generation,  hydrocarbon,  hydrocarbon kitchen,  kerogen,  mineral,  petroleum system,  pyrolysis,  source rock,  vitrinite reflectance