Methods of analyzing the rock content of a geologic formation are provided herein. The methods typically comprise obtaining samples from the formation and subjecting the samples to conditions that will cause the extraction and/or release of one or more volatile compounds from the samples, if present in the samples, and then analyzing the amount of such one or more volatile compounds released/extracted from the sample and then further relating such results to the physical and/or rock content composition of two or more regions of the geologic formation. The results can be used to inform or guide oil and/or gas exploration and/or production operations, such as placement of fracking operations.