| Abstract: | A series of six fossil resins and four modern resins have been analysed using microscope-based spectral fluorescence methods, in addition to a preliminary study of the chemical composition of these samples using infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography. This study illustrates problems encountered during the measurement of spectral fluorescence of resins and resinite kerogens using conventional microscopy methods. Most notable, alteration of fluorescence significantly influences spectral measurements. Further, fossilized resins within rocks are complex mixtures of resinite and bitumen. Pre-extraction of resinites prior to petrographic analysis resulted in somewhat more uniform spectral fluorescence results.Spectral fluorescence of recent resins used in this study could be used to distinguish angiosperm from gymnosperm derived resinite kerogens. Distinction of plant class source of resinite kerogens, however, is more difficult using this method and is considered genarally unreliable. |
