Research paperDigital quantification of the miospore coloration to assess the thermal maturity: Novel RGB-based measuring technique

- Using image analyzing softwares to assess sporomorphs color changes with depth.
- A new technique shows how the spore color can be digitally measured quantitatively.
- The spore colors are sampled via their image in Red-Green-Blue triple color system.
- Quantitative RGB readings of sporomorph colors to detect progressive thermal maturity.
- Plotting RGB readings on a ternary diagram discriminate the different matured samples.

The post depositional thermal maturity and its related chemical changes induce the sporomorphs color alteration, which is a common useful tool in the optical microscopy of the organic matters (OM) and their pre-geochemical studies. The present contribution uses the modern available opportunity of digital technology to achieve a quantifying system technique, which includes color measurements and their possible graphic presentation. The normal digital images of sporomorphs from several ages and geological settings are used to obtain color measurements in the form of digital Red, Green and Blue triple color system (RGB). These measurements were accomplished using some software programs such as Photoshop™© or ImageJ with employing average microscope setup. The triple RGB color readings are plotted on a ternary diagram, which is divided into three fields. These fields express the maturity levels. The presented new RGB-based quantifying technique is economic and provides a simple examination for maturity, which is linked to the hydrocarbon generation. This can partially replace or walk side by side with the vitrinite reflectance microscopy.