Oil shale is a type of sedimentary rock that contains a significant amount of organic material, primarily kerogen. When heated, this kerogen can be converted into synthetic crude oil and gas through a process called pyrolysis. Oil shale is found in various regions around the world, with notable deposits in the United States, Canada, and Jordan. Extracting oil from shale is more complex and costly than traditional oil drilling. The process often requires mining the rock and then processing it at high temperatures to release the oil. While oil shale has the potential to contribute to energy supplies, environmental concerns and economic factors can impact its viability as a resource.