The results of the studies of the physicochemical properties and genesis of asphaltites from the deposits of the Orenburg region are considered. Based on the data of a study on the distribution of hydrocarbon biomarkers (n-alkanes, isoprenanes, steranes, and terpanes), it was found that deposit formation occurred in carbonate layers under reducing conditions. The distribution of steranes and terpanes confirmed a sufficient maturity of the asphaltite. The C28/C29 sterane ratio of 0.31 corresponds to Silurian age according to Grantham or to Silurian–Devonian age according to the pregnane coefficient (a ratio of the sum of C21–C22 pregnanes to the sum of C21–C22 pregnanes and C27–C29 regular steranes) of 9.0%. Thus, it is likely that asphaltites from the Ivanovk deposit in the Orenburg region were redeposited in Silurian/Devonian source rock formations.
Geochemical research of asphaltite formation in the Orenburg region
