{{tag>crude_properties}}

====== Density ======

  * <wrap hi>most important physical characteristic</wrap> of a crude oil [(:ref:oil101)]
  * indication of the hydrocarbon molecules the crude oil contains [(:ref:oil101)]
  * products the crude oil will yield when refined [(:ref:oil101)]
  * varies with temperature and pressure [(:ref:oil101)]
  * Tendenziell nimmt die Dichte des Öls mit zunehmender Tiefe ab (»Tiefenregel«).[(:ref:die_welt_der_rohstoffe)]

===== API density classifications =====

^ Crude oil density classification ^ API gravity ^
| Condensate/Extra-light           | >50°        |
| Light                            | 40-50°      |
| Intermediate/Medium              | 30-39°      |
| Medium-heavy                     | 25-29°      |
| Heavy                            | < 25°       |
| Extra-heavy                      | < 10°       |

Intermediate density crudes are most commonly produced

30° - 39° API; highest demand; most refineries[(:ref:oil101)]