Carbonaceous refers to something relating to, containing, or composed of carbon. It is a descriptor used for the attribute of any substance rich in carbon. Particularly, carbonaceous hydrocarbons are very unsaturated, high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, having an elevated carbon:hydrogen ratio. The carbonaceous chondrites are meteorites that are rich in carbon.
The word "carbonaceous" was first used in 1791. Merriam Webster definition and date of first use
In geology, metamorphism of a carbonaceous geological material is expressed as a graphitisation process, referring to the graphite generated. Graphitisation may be accelerated or retarded in dependence on various metamorphic or lithological factors involved.
See also Carbonaceous chondrite Carbonaceous film Carbonaceous soil C-type (carbonaceous) asteroid Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs)
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