Oolitic Limestone Zaire [Chevron Drill Core]

Oolitic Limestone from Drill Core – Oil Exploration

This Cretaceous-aged oolitic limestone was trimmed from a drill core from one of Chevron’s offshore oil explorations in the Atlantic Ocean, during the 1960s. This pyrobitumen-filled specimen offers a rare glimpse into Earth's ancient marine environments and hydrocarbon formation. It came from the offshore Pinda Formation Zaire (now DRC).

Geological Significance: A Window into the Cretaceous

• Formed during the Cretaceous, when dinosaurs roamed and shallow tropical seas dominated the planet.
• Originated in a high-energy marine setting, where carbonate sediments formed ooids - small, spherical grains of calcium carbonate.
• Pyrobitumen is an advanced product of bitumen degradation, meaning hydrocarbons were generated but later solidified due to heat and chemical alteration.
• This rock was involved in petroleum migration, making it an excellent reservoir study sample.

Specimen Details

• Size of oolitic limestone from Zaire: 48mm L x 45mm W x 8mm D
• What's Included: Certification of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about the specimen.

Petroleum Geology: A Natural Hydrocarbon Source

• Contains pyrobitumen, a remnant of ancient hydrocarbons formed through heat, pressure, and geological processes.
• Demonstrates how sedimentary rocks become petroleum reservoirs, making it valuable for those studying energy resources.
• Originates from a historic offshore oil exploration site, linking it to real-world petroleum research.

A Rarity From Offshore Drilling

• Unlike surface-collected specimens, this limestone was extracted from deep underground, preserving its original structure.
• Drill cores from historic oil exploration projects are rare and highly collectible.

Educational Display Value

• Serves as a hands-on educational tool for understanding sedimentary processes, diagenesis, and hydrocarbon migration.
• A perfect addition for academic, museum, or private collections, appealing to geologists, educators, and fossil fuel researchers.

Educational Value of this Specimen:

This offshore Zaire oolitic limestone trimmed drill core makes an interesting addition to a geology collection that is geared towards studying energy exploration. With its geological significance, petroleum connections, and rarity, it stands out as an essential specimen for serious collectors, educators, and researchers.