6.3.2.4 Solvent Cut Test

Oil-stained samples which are old may not fluoresce; thus failure to fluoresce should not be taken as decisive evidence of lack of hydrocarbons. All samples suspected of containing hydrocarbons should be treated with a reagent. The most common reagents used by the geologist are chlorothene, petroleum ether, and acetone. The next topic provides a list of reagents that can be used for the solvent cut test.