1. College of Earth Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China;
2. Key Laboratory of Oilshale and Coexistent Energy Minerals of Jilin Province, Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China

The indices related to sedimentary pyrite are widely used in paleo-environmental studies; however its application principles and flaws have not been presented in detail so far, therefore it is necessary to review the controlling factors of them. In this study the authors described the application principles in detail, including pyrite morphology, C/S ratio, DOP, size distribution, sulfur isotope, and further discussed the C-S-Fe system in oil shale in Meihe Formation which indicates oxic or suboxic conditions during oil shale deposition. The concentration of TOC and S in the oil shale in Meihe Formation is more than that in background mudstone, and the pyrite formation is limited by sulfate. Therefore studying the indices related to pyrite proves to be of great importance.