Retene and methylretene have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spec-trometry in aromatic hydrocarbon fractions of Silurian carbonate extracts of the Michigan Basin. Retene identified in pre-Devonian carbonates indicates that the compound not only is the biomarker of higher plants but also derived from alga or bacterium. The geochemical significance of methylretene has been discussed. Retene and methylretene have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spec-trometry in aromatic hydrocarbon fractions of Silurian carbonate extracts of the Michigan Basin. Retene identified in pre-Devonian carbonates indicates that the compound not only is the biomarker of higher plants but also derived from alga or bacterium. The geochemical significance of methylretene has been discussed.