Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) were used to examine various oil shales, a spent shale, and a low-temperature ash in order to evaluate the application of these techniques to oil shale research. During preliminary Auger analysis, severe sample charging and electron beam damage were observed, but such effects can be minimized by controlling the instrumental conditions. The organic portion of oil shale appeared to be stable in the ultra-high vacuum system with a base pressure of 10/sup -10/ torr. Analysis of various shale particles indicated that there was a wide variation in the elemental concentrations among particles for all the samples studied. Auger analysis of Israeli and Colorado shales showed a higher concentration of sulfur on the surface as compared to the eastern shales even though the eastern shales were higher in total sulfur. The total sulfur content was also higher in the high-temperature ash of the carbonate-rich shales due to sulfur capture by the carbonates. Elements which were found in high concentration in the bulk were also found in high concentration on the surface. Examples of such elements include calcium in the Israeli and Colorado shales, silicon and iron in the Tennessee shale, and aluminum in the Kentucky oil shale. Sodium was noted on the surface of Colorado shale whereas its peak intensity was very weak for the other shales, despite the similar sodium contents in each of the shales. Vanadium, chlorine, copper, and chronium were detected by EDS and not by AES. Auger depth profile analysis of fresh shale, spent shale, and low-temperature ash indicated that carbon and sulfur were more concentrated on the surface. EDS analysis indicated that some potassium is lost during low-temperature ashing and retorting. 9 refs., 2 figs., 5 tabs.