Petroleum source (5)
I believe the answer is:
shale
'petroleum source' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for shale that I've seen before include "Oil-bearing rock" , "Easily-split sedimentary rock" , "Soft sedimentary rock" , "Fine pieces of stone on leash" , "Easily split layered rock" .)