Oil shale evaluation is based on oil yield by low-temperature carbonization, which is an extremely complex process. The TOC, semi-coke content, gas loss, bulk density, S2 and HI correlate well with oil yield. The organic matter in the oil shale from the Songliao Basin, China, is of lacustrine origin, while that in the oil shale from the Huadian Basin, China, stems from different sources. Comparative studies show that the simple organic matter composition of the Songliao oil shale facilitates industrial oil shale grade classification on the basis of TOC content only. Complex mixtures of organic matter found in the Huadian oil shale require, in addition to the TOC content, also the S2 and HI for grade classification. Knowing organic matter quality and the deduced oil yield conversion factor enables the industrial grade classification of oil shale on the basis of TOC content.
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