Abstract: In order to understand deposit characteristics, grade quality and exploration prospects of the Chang 7 oil shale mineral deposit in Yanchang Formation and provide a reference for further investigating oil shale in the Hejiafang area, Shannxi Province, the author has studied metallogentic background of the Triassic oil shale in the Hejiafang area and analyzed the data of the oil shale samples. The author has also compared the variations of parameters of oil shale between surface and underground and concluded that the oil shale is high in thickness, concentrated and stable in distribution, and high in oil production rate, and therefore is considered as medium-grade sulfer-rich oil shale. The oil shale on the surface show opening foliation, abundant pore volume and low density because of less overburden pressure. The utilization values of oil shale are reflected by their oil and gas contents, and therefore comprehensive utilization of gas must be considered during the mining of oil shale. The studied area is abundant with Triassic oil shale and shows good exploration potential.

Key words: oil shale deposit, Triassic, Yanchang Formation, Hejiafang, Ordos basin