| Abstract: | Dispersion of reflectances in air and oil between 400 and 700 nm of a suiteof scolecodont concentrates with known Conodont Alteration Index was determined using a reflected light microscope. Refractive and absorptive indices of these scolecodonts were calculated using their determined reflectances.Morphologically, scolecodonts in carbonate show similar granular morphology to that of graptolites. Fine structural details of scolecodonts can be observed under reflected light.Reflectances, refractive and absorptive indices of scolecodonts at 546 nm increase with increase of the Conodont Alteration Index, indicating that these properties of scolecodonts can be used to determine the maturity of sediments.Dispersion of the optical properties of scolecodonts follows similar trends to those for vitrinite, natural bitumen and graptolites, indicating similar molecular structural changes with increasing maturity. |
