In this paper, the sedimentary organic facies is defined as a stratigraphic unit that not only contains organic matter (OM) of particular abundance, genetic type and spatial distribution, but also is influenced by its sedimentary environment and preservation conditions. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of OM accumulation in sediments. In the current work, three sedimentary organic facies of oil shale (OS) in the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in the Beipiao Basin, Northeast China were distinguished on the basis of OM content, source and sedimentary environment. The accumulation conditions and characteristics of oil shale in different sedimentary organic facies are divergent. Deep-lake sapropelic oil shale with a high alginate-originated total organic carbon (TOC) content is deposited in a strongly reducing environment and is featured by high oil yield, medium-high calorific value, medium to low ash content, and low sulfur content. Deposited in a moderately reducing environment and having a medium alginate- and sporinite-derived TOC content, deep-to-semi-deep-lake sapropel–humic sapropelic oil shale is characterized by medium oil yield, medium calorific value, high ash content, and medium sulfur content. Semi-deep-lake humic-sapropelic oil shale with a medium-low terrigenous and alginate-mixed originated TOC is deposited in a weakly reducing environment and is characterized by low oil yield, low calorific value, high ash content, and high sulfur content. The current study of sedimentary organic facies also contributes to predicting high-quality oil shale. The quality of oil shale is controlled by organic matter content and sedimentary environment. Strongly reducing deep lake water with abundant alginate is an ideal environment for the accumulation of high-quality oil shale.
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