Abstract: The hydrocarbon and oil adsorption ability of minerals in continental shales and methanol-acetone-benzene (MAB) extracted shale residues were studied experimentally under formation temperatures. Hydrocarbon and oil adsorption ability decreases from illites to montmorillonites and to carbonates and oil adsorption amount in minerals is greater than hydrocarbon adsorption amount. MAB extracted shale residues, which mainly include minerals and kerogens, show better hydrocarbon and oil adsorption ability than mixed minerals. Minerals can adsorb hydrocarbon and oil at 0.20-3.13 mg/g, while kerogens can adsorb hydrocarbon or oil at 55-150 mg/g.