Genesis of oil in metalliferous veins, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Open-File Report 72-129
By:

Links

Abstract

A tarry, benzene-soluble material is present in metal-rich veins in the Idarado mine, Ouray, Colo., in an area not known to have petroleum resources. The material was compared chemically, spectrometrically, and chromatographically with oils from four fields in the nearby Paradox basin. Each oil field contains reservoir rocks equivalent to rock units known to extend beneath volcanic rocks near the mine. Carbon and sulfur isotope data and gas chromatographic data indicate a similarity between the oil from the Sierra field and the "oil" from the mine. Thus, the origin of the vein oil from Cretaceous sediments seems both geologically and chemically possible.

Suggested Citation

Gerrild, P.M., 1972, Genesis of oil in metalliferous veins, San Juan Mountains, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 72-129, iii, 69 leaves :ill. ;29 cm.: 69 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr72129.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Genesis of oil in metalliferous veins, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 72-129
DOI 10.3133/ofr72129
Year Published 1972
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iii, 69 p.
Country United States
State Colorado
Other Geospatial San Juan Mountains
Additional publication details