Definitions for "Shale Oil"
The hydrocarbon substance produced by the decomposition of kerogen when oil shale is heated in an oxygen-free environment. Raw shale oil resembles a heavy, viscous, low-sulfur crude, but can be upgraded to produce high-quality sweet crude.
The substance produced from the treatment of kerogen, that hydrocarbon found in some shales, which is difficult and costly to extract. About 34 gallons of shale oil can be extracted from one ton of ore.
see also kerogen. A petroleum-like substance found in high concentrations in some shale rocks.